March 27, 2007
Vanderbilt senior Nicole Pugno has been named the ALC Player of the Week, as announced Tuesday by the conference office.
Pugno helped the Commodores to a key conference win this past weekend at Penn State. Her solid midfield play included a caused turnover and ground ball that led directly to her game-winning goal at the 8:16 mark of the second half to break a 7-7 deadlock.
“It is great to see Nicole recognized for her play this past week,” VU Head Coach Cathy Swezey said. “To have one of our seniors come up so big in a key game like this really has to give Commodore fans yet another reason to be excited for our stretch run.”
The Upper Montclair, N.J., native also connected of her third goal of the game with 4:48 remaining to ice the upset of the sixth-ranked Nittany Lions.
The senior recorded her second hat-trick of the season as a result of perfect 3-for-3 shooting. She scored VU’s second goal of the game, sparking a four-goal run that gave the Dores a 5-2 halftime lead.
The Commodores head into the second half of the regular season this week, playing host to California and Stanford. Cal visits the VU Lacrosse Complex this Wednesday, March 28, for a 5 p.m. CT opening draw.