SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Oct. 24, 2011) – Goalkeeper Katie Gibson has been named NEWMAC Field Hockey Defensive Player of the Week after leading Mount Holyoke College to a perfect 2-0 week with her stellar play between the pipes. The senior surrendered just one goal in a pair of key league wins over WPI and Clark University. It was the second time this season that she has earned the award.
Gibson was at her best on Saturday, when she racked up seven second half saves in Mount Holyoke's 2-0 triumph over Clark. Her biggest moment came in the 58th minute, when she turned away a pair of great chances by forwards Talia Fish and Mel Melkonian. It was just the third time this year that Melkonian was held scoreless. The junior entered the contest as the NEWMAC leader in both points and goals. Gibson came up with several more saves down the stretch to preserve her fourth shutout of the season. The senior also turned away a pair of shots in Mount Holyoke's 4-1 victory at WPI on Tuesday.
Over the course of the fall, Gibson has posted a goals against average of 1.28 and a save percentage of .820 in 988 minutes played. She has started all 14 matches for the Lyons.
No stranger to NEWMAC accolades, Gibson earned Second Team All-Conference honors last fall. In 60 career appearances, she has turned away 314 shots en route to a goals against average of 1.46. The senior has come up with 16 shutouts and 33 wins in her career. She was named to the NFHCA Division III New England East Second Team last year.
Mount Holyoke (10-4, 5-2 NEWMAC) will return to action tomorrow, when it hosts Westfield State University for a non-conference clash beginning at 7:00 p.m.
