Following a weekend that featured shutout wins over No. 2 Stanford and Santa Clara, a trio of Penn State women soccer players earned Big Ten weekly honors. Frannie Crouse was named the Offensive Player of the Week, Britt Eckerstrom garnered Co-Defensive Player honors, and Kaleigh Riehl was named the Freshman of the Week in the conference.

It’s the first time that Crouse, a sophomore forward, was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. It’s an honor well-deserved: She tallied a goal and an assist in Penn State’s 2-0 victory over Stanford. Her goal came in the tenth minute when a left-footed shot from ten yards found the net. It was her third goal of the young season. Later in the second half, as the Nittany Lions fought to hold their lead, Crouse found Brittany Basinger streaking towards the net. Basinger volleyed the shot into the goal to secure Penn State’s monumental victory.

Eckerstrom, Penn State’s senior goalkeeper, earned the honor after recording a pair of shutouts over the weekend. She recorded four saves against Stanford and two against Santa Clara. Her performance is a testament to her prowess in net, as is her defense’s effort in allowing only six total shots on goal in two games. It’s her second time receiving the recognition.

Riehl helped lead the defense, playing two complete games over the weekend without rest. The defense as a whole pitched a pair of shutouts, allowing the Lions’ offense to secure the victories.

Penn State’s back in action this weekend when it faces Wisconsin (Thursday, 7 p.m.) and Minnesota (Sunday, 1 p.m.) at Jeffrey Field.

Image: Mark Selders/GoPSUSports