Week 7: SWAC Soccer Players of the Week

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  – Alabama State forward Birgit Rijinders, Texas Southern defender Brooke Ianiero, and  Howard netminder Alayah Hightower have been recognized by the Southwestern Athletic Conference as soccer players of the week for their efforts during matches played Sept. 28-30.
SWAC Offensive Player of the Week – Rijinders tallied seven total points for the Lady Hornets, who remained unblemished in conference play following victories over Mississippi Valley State and Alcorn State. The 5’2 junior led a historic day for Alabama State against the Lady Braves, as she collected a hat trick in a 10-0 rout of Alcorn, the most goals scored in a single game by Alabama State. She also added an assist in the contest.

SWAC Defensive Player of the Week – Ianiero led a tenacious effort by the Lady Tigers’ defense during back-to-back shutout wins over Jackson State and Southern. As a whole, TSU allowed 12 shots combined in the two contests. The 5’7 sophomore made her presence known offensively as well, scoring the game-winning goal in double overtime versus Jackson State, a contest she played every minute of. In all, the Niagara Falls, Ontario native played 181 total minutes.

SWAC Goalkeeper of the Week – Hightower picked up two shutout wins between the pipes for the Bison, as Howard defeated Grambling State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff this past weekend. The junior from Hanover, Md. Faced 21 total shots – 11 on the net – and stopped every attempt. Hightower has four clean sheet matches thus far this season, the most of any netminder in the league.

SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS