MAC Offensive Player of the Week
Natalie Karlen, Central Michigan, Attack
Karlen contributed two standout performances for the Chippewas as they continued their rigorous early-season non-conference schedule. On Wednesday, Karlen was key as CMU went toe-to-toe with No. 25 Vanderbilt in a back-and-forth affair in Nashville. She posted four total points, notching 2 goals and 2 assists, in addition to collecting four draw controls. On Sunday, against Pac-12 foe Oregon, Karlen exploded for 6 goals, tying her career high, helping the Chippewas rally to a 12-11 overtime win. She scored the Chippewas' first 4 goals of the second half, lifting CMU to a 10-9 lead. Karlen's single-game goal total ranks second in the CMU record book. She needs 11 points to become the program's all-time leader in that category.
MAC Co-Defensive Players of the Week
Ashley Lapp, Akron, GK
Akron freshman GK Ashley Lapp turned in a strong start to her collegiate career registering 20 saves for the Zips en route to leading Akron to a 1-1 mark. In her collegiate debut in goal, Lapp notched a match-high 10 saves in nearly 42 minutes (41:34) of action in a 16-8 setback versus Gardner-Webb. In her first collegiate start in goal at Saint Francis, Lapp notched 10 saves, including three in the second half, to help the Zips hold on for the first-ever victory in program history.
Brianna Hart, Central Michigan, Defender
Hart headlined the Central Michigan defense this week as it faced a top 25 team on the road and a Pac-12 opponent at home. On Wednesday, in Nashville, against No. 25 Vanderbilt, Hart was front-and-center in leading a defensive effort that held the Commodores scoreless for over 20 minutes, allowing the Chippewas to rally from an early deficit. Against Vandy, Hart totaled 3 caused turnovers, 3 ground balls and 1 draw control. On Sunday, versus Oregon, Hart was instrumental when the game was on the line. In addition to collecting 4 draw controls, 4 ground balls and 1 caused turnover, Hart utilized her speed to cut through the Ducks defense and clear the ball into the CMU offensive zone late in the game. Hart leads CMU in caused turnovers (6) and is second in ground balls (9).
