BAY CITY, Mich. -- The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced its weekly awards after Week 9 of the 2017 women's soccer season. Ashland senior forward Morgan Bittengle earned GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week accolades, while Ferris State University sophomore goalkeeper Alison Chesterfield claimed GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Morgan Bittengle, Ashland
Ashland senior forward Morgan Bittengle recorded a hat trick in Friday's 5-1 win over Tiffin on Friday. It was her second hat trick of the season and the third of her career. Bittengle has scored 50 career goals and 15 on the season. She scored in the opening minute against Tiffin to give AU a 1-0 lead. Her second goal came less than two minutes before halftime, and she chipped in her third in the 58th minute.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Alison Chesterfield, Ferris State
Ferris State University sophomore goalkeeper Alison Chesterfield shutout league regular-season champion and nationally-ranked Grand Valley State in the Bulldogs' final contest of the regular-season at home on Friday as FSU scored a 1-0 decision over the Lakers for their first win in the West Michigan rivalry in 15 years. FSU beat GVSU for only the fourth time ever and first time since 2002 as Chesterfield made nine saves in 90 minutes of work for the shutout. The Bulldogs managed to earn the victory despite being outshot 26-13 for the match. Chesterfield notched her second consecutive shutout while improving to 2-0 on the year.
HONORABLE MENTION
OFFENSE: Shelby Ross (PNW), Jenna Halonen (NMU), Alayna Hilgendorf (DU), Ashton Brooks (NU), Tia Vansuilichem (FSU), Sakura Bals (SVSU)
DEFENSE: Rachel Inglese (PNW), Brianna Frontuto (NMU), Lorrin McCarty (DU), Kirsen Hudak (MTU), Samantha Medici (NU), Julie Lacock (AU), Svenja Luedtke (SVSU)
