The University of Mississippi Athletics
Smith Named SEC Soccer Player Of The Week
10/16/2001 | Soccer
Oct. 15, 2001
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Ole Miss' Melinda Smith is this week's Southeastern Conference Soccer Player of the Week, as announced Monday by the league office. Smith is the first Rebel to receive the honor this season.
A senior goalkeeper from Tacoma, Wash., Smith led Ole Miss to a pair of 1-0 shutout victories over SEC Western Division rivals Alabama and Auburn last weekend. She did not allow a goal against the Crimson Tide, the SEC's top-ranked offense and second-ranked in the nation.
Smith collected eight saves in the two wins and has allowed only one score in her last 269:57 - all coming in league play. She is the Ole Miss all-time leader in career shutouts with 13.7, with 3.7 this season.
"It's a well deserving honor," said Ole Miss head coach Steve Holeman. "What a tremendous weekend Melinda had. She was a true leader for us. She came up with some big saves and kept us in each game."
This marks the seventh time in the program's history a UM player has picked up conference player of the week honors. Three Rebels - Jennifer Soileau, Regan Scanlon and Bridget Brooks - took the accolade last year.
Last weekend's two victories moved Ole Miss (8-5-1, 3-1 SEC) into first place in the SEC West standings for the first time this season. The Rebels continue their four-game homestand next weekend against Kentucky and Vanderbilt. Friday's matchup with the Wildcats is set for 7 p.m. CST, while the game against the Commodores is Sunday at 3 and will be televised nationally by Fox Sports Net.
