CLEVELAND — App State junior Sophia Baxter has been named the MAC Co-Defensive Player of the Week for the fourth time this season, the conference announced Wednesday.
The honor follows an impressive weekend against Ball State and No. 6 Wake Forest, during which she scored her 12th goal of the season against the Cardinals and earned her third defensive save against the nationally ranked Demon Deacons.
Against Ball State, she helped anchor a defense that allowed only eight total shots, compared to App State's 27. Baxter was pivotal in shutting down fast breaks while also serving as a key scoring option on set pieces.
Despite the loss at No. 6 Wake Forest, she played a pivotal defensive role, recording a crucial defensive save to keep the Demon Deacons at bay.
Baxter last received the honor Oct. 14 after performances against Central Michigan and Michigan State in Michigan.
The Mountaineers will next host Kent State for Senior Day in the regular-season finale on Friday at 3 p.m. Fans are encouraged to wear costumes for a costume contest. Kent State is currently one spot outside the top six teams needed to qualify for the postseason tournament.
App State has already clinched a spot in the MAC Field Hockey Championship, where they currently hold the No. 3 seed. The Mountaineers still have a path to their third consecutive regular-season championship, needing a win over Kent State and losses from both No. 13 Miami and No. 15 UMass, on Friday.
Current MAC Standings
1. Miami (7-1)
2. UMass (7-1)
3. App State (6-2)
4. James Madison (5-3)
5. Ohio (3-5)
6. Central Michigan (3-5)
7. Kent State (3-5)
8. Longwood (2-6)
9. Bellarmine (2-6)
10. Ball State (2-6)
