Feb. 13, 2012
Vanderbilt senior goalkeeper Natalie Wills has been named the American Lacrosse Conference Defensive Player of the Week for her role in the 19th-ranked Commodores’ 7-5 win over fifth-ranked Duke Sunday.
Wills made seven saves behind a strong Vanderbilt defense to shut down a Blue Devil attack that had averaged 22 goals in its first two games. Behind a defense that returned all 64 games started from last season, Wills held Duke to five goals–the lowest offensive output for a VU opponent since beating Canisius last February.
“Natalie deserves this honor,” VU Head Coach Cathy Swezey said. “She anchored a strong defensive effort yesterday, with some amazing saves and clutch plays. You hope that a senior goalkeeper will have that kind of confidence and poise, and Natalie proved that she does. Natalie’s preparation coming into her final season has been tireless and we will all benefit from it.”
Wills made a key interception on top of her seven saves and prevented the Blue Devils from scoring on their four free position attempts. Vanderbilt also held Duke scoreless in four of five man-advantage situations.
The Commodores get two weeks to prepare for another Atlantic Coast Conference opponent. Vanderbilt travels to face No. 3 North Carolina on Sunday, Feb. 26.
In other league news, Ohio State’s Gabby Capuzzi was named the ALC Offensive Player of the Week after scoring five points in the Buckeyes’ upset of No. 6 Stanford. Buckeye freshman Tori DeScenza was the conference Rookie of the Week after her 12-save performance against the Cardinal.