Michigan State University Athletics
Manouk Vernij Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week
9/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Sept. 14, 2009
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State field hockey freshman Manouk Vernij (Bleiswijk, Netherlands) has been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after recording a team-high two goals on eight shots in weekend matchups with No. 9 Old Dominion and No. 8 Syracuse.
This past weekend in New York, Vernij got the Spartan offense going by scoring the opening goal against No. 9 Old Dominion Saturday afternoon.Vernij also scored the game's third goal to push the Spartan lead to 3-0 and put the game out of reach for the 9th-ranked Monarchs. On Sunday, Vernij recorded a team-high five shots on goal in the Spartans' 2-1 overtime loss at No. 8 Syracuse.
"We're very excited for Manouk," 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.""
The 2009 season marks the first year the Big Ten will be awarding the Freshman of the Week Award. Vernij, who was named Co-Big Ten Freshman of the week on August 31st, becomes the first player to be named a two-time recipient of the award.
Vernij and the Spartans return to action this weekend when they travel to Virginia for matchups with No. 12 James Madison and No. 6 Virginia.
