GLIAC -- The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced its weekly awards after the fourth week of competition to begin the 2018 women's soccer season. Saginaw Valley junior midfielder Valentina Giambanco earned GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week accolades, while Ashland redshirt junior Sydney Wright claimed GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Valentina Giambanco - Saginaw Valley

Saginaw Valley junior midfielder Valentina Giambanco led the Cardinals to a 2-0 mark this past weekend, defeating Purdue Northwest and Parkside in GLIAC opening weekend action. Giambanco earned her first ever hat trick with three goals in the team's 5-0 win over the Pride on Friday before dishing-out a solo goal and an assist in Sunday's 4-2 win against the Parkside Rangers.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Sydney Wright - Ashland

Ashland redshirt junior Sydney Wright anchored a back line that allowed just eight shots in two games last week, including none in a 5-0 win over Purdue Northwest as the No. 22-ranked Eagles have not allowed a goal in their last 399 minutes (four straight shutouts). She assisted on one of Ashland's goals in a 5-0 win, winning a 50-50 ball and playing it back for Emily Ledbetter, who rocketed a shot from 20 yards out. An all-region center back last season, Wright also helped keep Parkside off the board as nearly all of the Rangers' eight shots came from outside the penalty area. Ashland's four straight shutouts are their most since 2004. AU did not allow a single shot in the victory over PNW.

HONORABLE MENTION

OFFENSE: Caroline Halonen (NMU), Ashton Brooks (NU), Madeline Becker (GVSU), Grace Shaw (MTU), Carley Dubbert (FSU), Emily Ledbetter (AU)

DEFENSE: Brianna Frontuto (NMU), Macie DeWyse (DU), Bridget Adams (NU), Hailey Wentzloff (GVSU), Amanda Young (MTU), Bri Rogers (FSU), Amanda Minissale (SVSU)

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