The Kalamazoo College women's soccer team swept the MIAA Player of the Week awards Monday, as Libby Munoz took home the Offensive award and Madison Vallan was honored with the Defensive award.
Munoz, a sophomore from Leland, Mich., started the week off strong with two goals and an assist on the road in the Hornets' 3-1 defeat of Alma. She followed that effort up in dramatic fashion as she scored the game's only goal in the final minute of play as K defeated Hope 1-0 at home Thursday to move into a tie for first place in the conference. Continuing a trend of late winners, Munoz provided the assist for Julie Zabik's overtime goal to beat Trine 1-0 on Sunday as the Hornets wrapped up a three win week. Munoz currently leads her team in goals with six and points with 14, totals which put her in second place overall in the MIAA in each category. She is being honored as player of the week for the first time in her career.
Also a sophomore, Vallan, a native of Grosse Pointe, Mich., has played a central role in K's backline which has recorded four shutouts and only given up five goals on the season. Vallan has started each of the team's seven games this year and has anchored the defense from her central defender position. In addition to their win over Alma, that defense shutout a Hope team averaging a league best 3.71 goals per game and finished off the week with a second shutout as they beat Trine. Vallan contributed offensively for the Hornets this week as well, notching her second assist of the year against Alma. She is also being honored with this award for the first time in her career.
Coach Bryan Goyings said, "The team put together a set of strong results this week and both Libby and Madison represent the collective efforts of the team to not just compete but earn a result each time they take the field." He also highlighted Munoz's "excellence under pressure" and Vallan's contributions as she played every minute in the three games in which K only gave up one goal and posted two shutouts.
The Hornets, who are riding a four game winning streak, will return to the field on Wednesday at 7 p.m. as the travel to Albion.