VALLEY RELEASE

ST. LOUIS – A pair of University of Evansville women’s soccer players were honored by the Missouri Valley Conference this week for their efforts in the Purple Aces’ 4-1 win over Illinois State Sunday afternoon.  Freshman Abby Springer was named the league’s Offensive Player of the Week and sophomore Taylor Brand claimed this week’s Defensive Player of the Week honor.
 
Springer found the back of the net three times in Sunday’s victory over the Redbirds, marking the first time a UE player has recorded a hat trick since 2008.  The Indianapolis, Ind., native gave Evansville a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute by heading in a corner kick service from Stephanie Thompson for the only goal of the first half.  In the second half, Springer collected a loose ball and finished from close range in the 69th minute, and completed the hat trick by burying a shot off of a pass from Thompson in the 83rd minute.  On the season, Springer leads the Aces with nine points on four goals and one assist and is second on the team with 13 shots on goal.
 
Brand was instrumental in helping Evansville’s defensive line hold the Valley’s top offensive team to just three shots on goal.  The sophomore defender was responsible for marking ISU’s Rachel Tejada, who entered the week ranked in the top five nationally in both goals and points.  Brand limited Tejada to just two shots and did not allow the Valley’s scoring leader to put either shot on frame.
 
The Aces will continue MVC play Sunday, Sept. 30, when they travel to Springfield, Mo., for a match with Missouri State at 1 p.m.