The American Southwest Conference recently announced its last players of the week of the season and Howard Payne swept the awards claiming Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week honors.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Stephanie Boggs, MF, Sr., Howard Payne
Senior midfielder Stephanie Boggs (pictured far left) scored her seventh goal of the year in the 48th minute of the game on an assist by Taylor Bicknell, to give the Lady Jackets a 1-0 advantage over No. 10 Hardin-Simmons. The 1-1 tie with HSU was the first for the Cowgirls in conference play since 2008 against Texas-Dallas. Boggs’ goal was the first scored on HSU in eight games and came against one of the best defensive units in the nation. Hardin-Simmons ranks 10th in the NCAA DIII in goals against average (.351), and have allowed only six goals on the year, with just two in conference play.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Kelsie Piland, GK, So., Howard Payne
Sophomore goalkeeper Kelsie Piland (pictured above right) held one of the best scoring attacks in the nation to one goal as the Lady Jackets tied the ASC regular season champions, Hardin-Simmons (1-1) in double overtime. Ranked No. 10 in the NSCAA Top 25 Soccer Poll, Hardin-Simmons also ranks second in the NCAA DIII in scoring offense (4.93). Piland faced 20 shots and made eight saves in 109 minutes. Howard Payne is the only team to not lose to Hardin-Simmons this year.
