The University of Mississippi Athletics
Brittany Gillespie Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week
9/29/2003 | Soccer
Sept. 29, 2003
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Ole Miss goalkeeper Brittany Gillespie was named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week Monday, as announced by the league office. It marks the first Player of the Week selection for the senior from Modesto, Calif.
Gillespie recorded shutouts of Middle Tennessee and Southeast Missouri last weekend to help the Rebels to a 9-1 record - their best start in school history. The two victories moved Gillespie into second on the Ole Miss career list for goalkeeper wins with 26. The two-time team captain is already the school's all-time leader in shutouts (17.9) and goals-against average (0.94).
With only four goals allowed in 10 starts, Gillespie is enjoying her finest season in the Red and Blue, topping the SEC and ranking among the nation's leaders in goals-against (0.40) and save percentage (.895). She has also helped the Rebels to seven shutouts in goal.
"This is a well deserved honor for Brittany," said Ole Miss head coach Steve Holeman. "She has been nearly perfect in goal and a huge part of this team's success. She is having a tremendous year, and we're looking for big things from Brittany as we head into the SEC schedule."
Gillespie's Player of the Week selection is the first for an Ole Miss player this year. It marks the Rebels' ninth all-time POW pick and gives them one at least one in each of the last four seasons.
In other news, Ole Miss rose to No. 23 in the Soccer Buzz national rankings on Monday and fourth in the Buzz Central Region poll.
Next on the Rebels' slate is the start of SEC play this weekend on the road. Ole Miss faces the Georgia Bulldogs Friday at 7 p.m. ET in Athens, and Tennessee Sunday at 2 p.m. ET in Knoxville.
