HAMMOND, La. – Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer student-athlete Lainey Connell earned Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week Tuesday morning, after an announcement from the conference office.
Connell is the second consecutive Lion to be named for the weekly award as freshman Alexandra Knight earned SLC Offensive Player of the Week (Aug. 18) the previous week. The honor is the first of the junior's career as she has proven to be a steady defender for the green and gold.
The Mandeville, La. native stepped up for Southeastern's backline defense to secure its second straight shutout and third consecutive win of the season. Connell helped SLU to hold Troy scoreless and record its first shutout victory over a Sun Belt opponent since 2018. The junior returned against Spring Hill College, not allowing the Badgers to gain a single shot on goal throughout the match, with only three shots.
Connell has started in all four matches this season for the Lions and ranks second on the team in minutes played (355), playing all 90 minutes against Troy and Spring Hill College. Connell, as an integral piece in Southeastern's line of defense, helped the green and gold to earn its first three-match winning streak since 2021. In the last two contests, Connell claimed two shots to close out the week.
Southeastern will look to keep its early momentum going as it will make its second road trip of the season, traveling to Hattiesburg, Miss. to face Southern Miss Thursday at 4 p.m. Thursday's match against the Golden Eagles will be streamed on ESPN+.
SCORE ONE MORE CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the women's soccer program are encouraged to join the Score One More Club. Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners. All membership fees and donations to Score One More Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern soccer program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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