Noelani Ajel, Texas Lutheran University, Defensive Player of the Week (Week 5)

Ajel was superb at closing down the opposition’s attackers in the defensive third, leading the Bulldogs to a 2-1 record last week, highlighted by non-conference wins over conference opponents Southwestern (3-1) and Schreiner (2-0). The entire backline was steady, but Ajel stood out in 1v1 duals, limiting opponents in the offensive third and hold offenses to just 16 total shots on target through three matches last week. In the win over the Mountaineers, Ajel and the defense didn’t allow a single shot on goal en route to their second shutout of the season.

Other outstanding performances in the SCAC:

Sophomore goalkeeper Zoe Keller of Centenary recorded five saves in the Ladies’ 1-1 tie against Wiley in their lone contest last week. Keller has started five games in goal for the Ladies and has made 34 saves. She has recorded one shutout and has a 1.52 GAA (goals against average). She currently ranks in the top five in the conference in both GAA and saves. Senior goalkeeper Lora Tresco of Concordia made a save and played all 90 minutes in the Tornados’ 2-0 shutout win over Nelson University last Tuesday. It marked the first shutout of the season for Concordia. Sophomore midfielder Abigail Scott of Schreiner was key in the Mountaineers defensive effort that limited TLU to just seven shots on target in the final fixture before the start of conference play this weekend.