Elissa Unger named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week
10/12/2009 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 12, 2009
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State field hockey senior Elissa Unger (Reading, Pa.) has been named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after two solid weekend outings against Indiana and Central Michigan. Unger, who takes home Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors for the third time in her career (10/12/09, 9/28/09, 9/15/08), becomes only the second player to garner Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors twice this season.
On Friday, Unger recorded seven saves, four of which came in the first half when the game was still in question, in the Spartans 6-2 victory over Indiana. Unger followed up her strong performance against Indiana by posting her second shutout of the season, on six saves, against the Central Michigan Chippewas.
"We're very excited for Elissa," said head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof. "She continues to be an important member of our team and we're happy she has been recognized by the Big Ten for her achievements."
On the seasons, Unger ranks near the top of the Big Ten in nearly every goalkeeping category including: goals against average (1.48), goals allowed per game (1.50), save percentage (.759), saves (66), saves per game (4.71) and shutouts (2).
Unger and the Spartans return to action this weekend when they travel to Iowa City for a 5:00 PM Friday matchup with Big Ten rival Iowa.
