Barker, Ricks and Latham Named Soccer Players of the Week
Southland Soccer News and Stats
FRISCO, Texas – Stephen F. Austin junior forward Hanna Barker, Central Arkansas sophomore defender Kristen Ricks and Northwestern State junior goalkeeper Alex Latham were named the Southland Conference Women’s Soccer Players of the Week presented by UniversalCoin.com, the league announced Tuesday. Barker earned offensive honors while Ricks received defensive accolades and Latham was tabbed the top goalkeeper for the week.
Offensive Player of the Week – Hanna Barker, Stephen F. Austin
Barker had her first career hat-trick in the game against Houston Baptist Sunday afternoon. She also contributed to the five goals against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Barker tied the school record for the second most goals scored in one game with Chelsea Raymond and Megan Cash. She is one goal away from tying her career high in goals for a single season.
Honorable Mention: Allie Johnson, Sam Houston State; Alex Moore, Central Arkansas; Gabby Rodriguez, Houston Baptist.
Defensive Player of the Week – Kristen Ricks, Central Arkansas
Ricks played a strong part in helping Central Arkansas continue its defensive dominance on the year, leading the Bears in minutes played as they dropped their goals against average to 0.73 on the season. Ricks and the Bears limited McNeese and Lamar to just three shots on goal for each team.
Honorable Mention: Patry Carrion, Northwestern State; Kelsie Roberts, Abilene Christian; Karey Tylman, UIW; Brooke Dunnigan, Stephen F. Austin.
Goalkeeper of the Week – Alex Latham, Northwestern State
Latham allowed one goal in a full 180 minutes of action on a 2-0 road weekend, the Lady Demon’s first consecutive Southland road wins since 2006. She punched a free kick over the cross bar as time expired to seal the win against the Cowgirls. Latham made six saves in each contest, posting her fourth shutout of the season Friday. Her 68 total saves is second in the league.
Honorable Mention: Sydney Newton, Abilene Christian; Anna Hughes, Central Arkansas; Haley Nelson, UIW; Lillie Ehlert, Stephen F. Austin.
Each school’s sports information director nominates and votes for the players of the week, though is not permitted to vote for his or her own player. To receive honorable mention, a student-athlete must receive votes from 25 percent of the Southland sports information directors.