Sept. 3, 2018
SAN JOSE, Calif. - SJSU women's soccer goalkeeper Paige Simoneau was named the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday.
This is third time Simoneau has been tabbed Defensive POTW in her career and first this season. The senior came up huge once again in the Spartans' scoreless draw against Kansas State, making six saves in her first shutout of the season.
"I'm thrilled Paige was selected as defensive player of the week," head coach Lauren Hanson said. "She made some amazing saves for us to keep our shutout. It's a well-deserved honor and is a credit to our team defending effort as well."
In the 27th minute of the first period against the Wildcats, Simoneau successfully defended a penalty kick attempt as she crowded the right side of the goal, forcing an errant kick that slide just outside the post. The Corona, Calif. product went on to tally four saves in the second and overtime periods to keep Kansas State, who is currently receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, off the scoreboard and secure the double-overtime draw.
Simoneau has tallied 16 saves on the season and currently touts a .842 save percentage. She and the Spartans will look to secure their first win of the season on Thursday as they welcome Cal State Fullerton for a 7 p.m. PT showdown at Spartan Soccer Field.