TicketsCINCINNATI - University of Cincinnati freshman goalkeeper Meg Gulmi was named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week Monday following her performances last week against Liberty University and Presbyterian College. She was honored with Villanova's Jessica Mucci, who picked up BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week honors.
In matches against Liberty and Presbyterian, Gulmi amassed 16 saves as the Bearcats went 2-0 on the week. In a 22-6 win against Presbyterian on March 17, Gulmi had four saves in 38 minutes. The Bearcats dominated Presbyterian and set a program record for goals in a single match with 22. UC's 16-point victory over the Blue Hose also marked the largest margin of victory in program history. In a 7-3 victory against Liberty on March 14, the rookie had 12 saves, the second-highest in her career. Last week, she faced 32 shots in the two games and allowed just eight goals.
"I am extremely happy for Meagan. Her hard work is paying off. She is a student of the game and always looking for ways to improve and make her teammates better at the same time," said UC Head Coach Gina Oliver.
Through contests on March 17, Gulmi is ranked No. 1 in the BIG EAST for saves per game (8.33).
Gulmi is the first Bearcat to receive player of the week honors since Katherine Russo picked up Defensive Player of the Week on March 8, 2010. The only other Bearcat to receive player of the week honors was Laura Simanski, who was named Offensive Player of the Week on February 23, 2009.
The Bearcats return to the turf Friday, March 22 as they open BIG EAST play against Georgetown. Opening draw is set for 4 p.m. at GU's Multi-Sport Field.