Ardila, Carroll and Mercuri Named Soccer Players of the Week
Southland Soccer News and Stats
FRISCO, Texas – Northwestern State senior midfielder Camila Ardila, Central Arkansas junior defender Stacia Carroll and Central Arkansas sophomore goalkeeper Lauren Mercuri were named the Southland Conference Women’s Soccer Players of the Week presented by UniversalCoin.com, the league announced Tuesday. Ardila earned offensive honors while Carroll received defensive accolades and Mercuri was tabbed the top goalkeeper for the week.
Offensive Player of the Week – Camila Ardila, Northwestern State
Of her three goals in 94 minutes, Ardila scored both game-winners over the weekend. Against Jackson State, her free kick goal came in the second half and opened up the game against JSU. Ardila scored the first goal against Texas Wesleyan and added a second goal later. The senior midfielder was efficient with five shots, four on goal, and three goals.
Honorable Mention: M.J. Eckart, Lamar; Hailey Hunt, Stephen F. Austin; Savannah LaRicci, McNeese
Defensive Player of the Week – Stacia Carroll, Central Arkansas
Carroll marshalled a Central Arkansas back line that pitched a pair of shutouts on the week. Against Arkansas State on Thursday afternoon, Carroll and the Bears held the Red Wolves to just three shots on goal, before limiting Louisiana-Monroe to three shots on goal on Sunday afternoon. The shutouts were the third and fourth this season for the Bears, who are allowing just 0.83 goals per game.
Honorable Mention: Patry Carrion, Northwestern State; Samantha Moreno, Lamar
Goalkeeper of the Week – Lauren Mercuri, Central Arkansas
Mercuri was solid in the anchor roll for of the Bears’ goalkeeping platoon, helping close out a pair of shutouts over Sun Belt teams. Against Arkansas State on Thursday, the sophomore made a pair of saves as the Bears went to double overtime against the Red Wolves. Against Louisiana-Monroe on Sunday, she again played the second half for the Bears, helping to maintain the lead after UCA put up a pair of first half goals.
Honorable Mention: Rachel Gries, Lamar; Rachel Johnson, Abilene Christian; Brianna Lovett, McNeese
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.