Sept. 21, 2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. â€â€ÂJunior forward Nicole Lukens was named to Top Drawer Soccer’s National Team of the Week after scoring two goals with an assist in Vanderbilt’s 3-0 win over Tennessee-Martin last week.
Lukens has scored a goal in four of the last six games for the Commodores and now leads the team with a career best five goal on the year. The Colorado native, who missed the 2007 season due to a leg injury, is known for her tenacious play and hard work ethic.
“Nicole has always been a warrior and has such courage on the field,” said Vanderbilt head coach Ronnie Woodard. “This year we put her a little higher in the attack and she has shown a great ability to score goals. She is certainly deserving of this honor and I am happy to see her get recognized for her hard work.”
Lukens is the second Commodore to receive the honor from Top Drawer Soccer this year, joining Chelsea Stewart who was named to the team on Sept. 7.
Vanderbilt finished its non-conference slate with a 6-1-1 record, achieving that mark for the second straight year.
The Commodores open Southeastern Conference play against two nationally ranked teams this weekend on the road.
VU faces undefeated South Carolina (8-0-0), ranked No. 18 by Top Drawer Soccer, on Friday at 6 p.m. CT. That game will be televised on Fox Sports South.
The Commodores will then take on Florida (6-3-0), ranked No. 13 this week, on Sunday at 1 p.m. CT. That game will be televised on Comcast Sports. Check local listings for availability in your area.