Story Courtesy of Kent State Sports Information

BROCKPORT, N.Y. - Kent State goalkeeper Azure Fernsler claimed Division I Defensive Player of the Week honors this week, as announced by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Wednesday morning. This award comes just a day after winning the Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Week title as well.

Fernsler was a brick wall in both of Kent State's victories against No. 22 Ohio State and No. 14 Syracuse. Facing a total of 26 shots over the two games, Fernsler only allowed one to get past her in each game, recording a total of 12 saves. Her dominance in goal helped the Flashes secure their two come-from-behind wins, defeating the Buckeyes 3-1 and the Orange 2-1 in overtime.

The two victories against Ohio State and Syracuse vaulted the Flashes to the No. 23 spot in the country. 

Kent State seeks to climb the national rankings this weekend with a pair of top-25 showdowns at Lakeside Field in Evanston, Illinois. The Flashes will battle No. 5 Northwestern on Friday and then No. 25 Maine on Saturday. Both contests are scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.