After backstopping the Valpo defense to a pair of victories last week, surrendering just one goal over two matches, Valpo soccer sophomore goalkeeper Nikki Coryell (Aurora, Ill./Metea Valley) was selected Monday as the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week.

Coryell started the week with a five-save performance in the Beacons’ shutout of Southern Illinois at home on Wednesday. She then went on to make seven saves in Sunday’s 2-1 win at Missouri State, none bigger than a leaping save to her right in the 75^th minute to preserve the one-goal edge.

For the week, Coryell posted a 0.50 GAA and a .923 save percentage. She has surrendered just one goal in MVC play so far this year as Valpo has reached the halfway mark of the conference slate with a perfect 4-0-0 record.