Blackwood, Aalbue Earn National Honors
WINONA LAKE – Grace’s women’s soccer team won two national Player of the Week honors from the NCCAA on Monday.
Bethany Blackwood was the NCCAA Defensive Player of the Week, and JJ Aalbue was the national Offensive Player of the Week. Additionally, Aalbue was named the Offensive Player of the Week for the Crossroads League on Monday.
The awards come on the heels of two wins last week, the latest in a string of eight consecutive victories for the Lady Lancers (12-1, 4-0 CL).
Aalbue produced a goal and five assists last week to lead No. 20 Grace. The freshman sensation currently ranks No. 1 in the NAIA in assists (14) and No. 12 in goals (13). Against Bethel, Aalbue had a part in five of the team’s seven goals (1 goal, 4 assists), and she also assisted a goal to beat Taylor, who is receiving votes in the NAIA.
Blackwood returned from injury on Saturday to blank Taylor 2-0. She registered four saves to pick up the shutout, her fifth shutout of the season.
The Lady Lancers are on the road twice this week, heading to Indiana Wesleyan on Wednesday and Mt. Vernon Nazarene on Saturday.