Monday, September 18, 2006

After back-to-back shutouts last weekend, Valparaiso University's Erin Murray (Pleasanton, Calif./Amador Valley H.S.) has been named the Mid-Continent Conference Defensive Player of the Week.

Murray blanked Western Illinois in overtime in the Mid-Con opener last Friday, making four saves in Valpo's 1-0 victory. On Sunday, the junior made two saves in 73 minutes of action against Northern Iowa to earn the win as the Crusaders triumphed 4-0.

The shutout on Friday was Murray's 12th of her career, most in Valpo history. She is now 5-2 on the season with an 0.86 goals against average and an .812 save percentage. With three more saves, Murray will move into a tie for fourth place on Valpo's career list with 196, tying Kristin Templin (2000-2003).

This marks the third time in her career Murray has earned Player of the Week honors.