KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College women's soccer team swept the MIAA Player of the Week awards Tuesday when Destiny Garcia and Emme DeConinck were given the Offensive and Defensive awards, respectively.
Garcia, a freshman from Chicago, Ill. (DePaul Prep) played a key role in Kalamazoo's two wins last week. She was a member of the starting lineup in both contests, and began the week with a goal in the 84th minute of Kalamazoo's 2-0 win over Adrian. On Friday, she scored the opening goal of the contest in the 3-0 victory over Alma. Garcia's two goals are the most of any player so far this season.
"The team had an excellent start to MIAA competition last week and Destiny and Emme both had notable contributions," Coach Bryan Goyings said. "Destiny's persistence in the attack helped generate numerous scoring chances against both opponents. Her goal against Adrian was a phenomenal effort that ranks as one of the top Hornet goals I have been witness to during my time as part of this program."
Junior midfielder Emme DeConinck from Bloomfield, Mich. (Marian HS) was a strong defensive force for the Hornets in both wins last week. She played in nearly every minute of both games. On March 23, DeConinck won a ball that was played downfield on the way to Garcia's goal in the win against Adrian. Along with the rest of the defense, DeConinck and the Hornets held Adrian to two shots on goal and Alma to one shot on goal on March 26.
"Emme's composure and consistency in the midfield against Adrian and backline against Alma was excellent," Goyings said of DeConinck. "She never backs down from a challenge and her experience was critical in allowing our young team to emerge victorious at two tough MIAA road venues. It should also be noted that she played a key role in setting up our team's second goal against Adrian which helped clinch the win that evening.
Goyings added: "While Destiny and Emme have been recognized for their contributions, I think the awards this week are representative of the collective efforts that the team as a whole has invested in order to not only be able to compete, but also perform at a high level throughout this unique season."
The Hornets are next scheduled to host Olivet on April 6 at 7 p.m.