Offensive Player of the Week
Leonor Berlie, Miami
Midfield, Senior, Geneva, Switzerland (College de Candolle)
Berlie scored two goals and added an assist in the RedHawks’ three wins on the week as Miami went 3-0 to open the season. In the non-conference tilt against Ball State, Berlie’s corner shot was tipped into the cage, giving the RedHawks a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish. Against St. Louis, Berlie drew the corner that would eventually result in Miami’s earning a stroke. She converted the stroke to tie the game; the RedHawks went on to win in overtime. In the second game against the Billikens, Berlie again drew the corner that resulted in her scoring the opening, and eventual game-winning, goal.
Defensive Player of the Week
Luli Rosso, Miami
Midfield, Sophomore, Mendoza, Argentina (Univ. Nacional de Argentina)
Rosso ran a defense that allowed seven total shots over three games, with only four on target, and only two corners. The RedHawks won all three games, putting up margins of 69-7 in shots and 28-2 in corners, thanks to Rosso’s work in the midfield. She was also a force on the offensive end, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against St. Louis on Thursday before notching an assist on Miami’s second goal in the Friday game.
Other Nominees
Jenna McKune, Ball State
Midfielder, Senior, Louisville, Ky. (Assumption)
Jenna played an impressive week of defense in the midfield for Ball State. She neutralized many attacking threats in both Miami and Louisville games. She organized and connected Ball State’s structure and combined to either intercept or win many of the defensive battles. Jenna’s play was especially notable against No. 7 Louisville. She was a huge reason Ball State held their potent offense, including Mercedes Pastor to limited impact outside of corner play.
Luna Lopez, Longwood
Defender, Junior, San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina
A 2019 All-MAC First Team performer, Luna Lopez was key again for Longwood in their 2-1 road win over Davidson to kick off the 2021 season. The center back lead a Lancer defense that conceded just four total shots, with just two on goal in a marathon 60 minute performance on Saturday. The junior's defensive unit withheld a Davidson attack that pulled its goalkeeper for the final 5:55 of play, but held off the Wildcats to earn a 2-1 win.
Michaela Graney, Ball State
Defender, Freshman, Capetown, South Africa (Redamm House)
Michaela scored her first career goal in her first ever collegiate field hockey game on Tuesday to equalize the game against Miami. She led the Cardinals offensively with four shots, four shots on goal and two points.
Isis Vrolijks, Longwood
Forward, Freshman, Amstelveen, The Netherlands
Freshman Isis Vrolijks wasted no time making an impact in her collegiate debut for Longwood, needing just under 18 minutes to find the back of the net for her first career goal in a 2-1 road win over Davidson. The Amstelveen, The Netherlands native received a pass from fellow-freshman Kate Frey and ripped a one-timer into the Wildcat net to score the first goal of 2021 for the Lancers. Vrolijks ended with two shots on goal in Saturday's season opener for Longwood.
