Aug. 30, 2010

Irving, Texas – University of Memphis women’s soccer junior defender Lizzy Simonin has been named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week as announced by the league office on Monday.

Having changed from a forward to defender during the offseason, junior defender Lizzy Simonin helped the Memphis defense post its second-straight shutout as Memphis won the battle of nationally-ranked foes at Mike Rose Soccer Complex on Saturday. Simonin, playing all 90 minutes at center back cleared attack after attack by LSU in the final 15 minutes of action as #18 LSU attempted to score the equalizer. The Lee's Summit, Mo., native proved to be a stalwart in the back as Memphis posted the shutout to start the season at 3-0 for the first time in program history.

“This is a huge honor for Lizzy and she has made a very smooth transition to defense,” said head coach Brooks Monaghan. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from an athlete like Lizzy and she definitely deserves this award. She has had to fill some major shoes with the loss of Brittany Hance and Kelsey Bakker. We haven’t missed a beat with her. She is still new to the position and she will only get better.”

This is the second-straight week that a Memphis player has earned player of the week honors after freshman forward Rasheeda Ansari earned C-USA Offensive Player of the Week honors in week one. Simonin is the first Lady Tiger to earn defensive player of the week honors since goalkeeper Elise Kuhar-Pitters earned the honors on Sept. 28 of 2009. Simonin is the 11th C-USA Defensive Player of the Week in program history and is the 27th player to earn the weekly honors.

Memphis next plays Sept. 3rd when they take on Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla. Memphis will then play Arkansas-Little Rock on Sept. 5 in North Little Rock, Ark. before returning to the Bluff City.