LANCASTER, Pa. – Aliki Torrence of the Ursinus College field hockey team was tabbed Defensive Player of the Week by the Centennial Conference, the league office announced Monday afternoon.
Torrence continued her standout senior season by helping the Bears post back-to-back shutouts against Catholic (4-0) and Muhlenberg (2-0), anchoring a defense that allowed only seven combined shots to two teams that have spent multiple weeks in the national rankings.
With Torrence at the helm, Ursinus has surrendered more than two goals in a game just twice this season – to top-ranked Messiah and Division II West Chester. The Bears have surrendered just 19 goals in 18 games this season, ranking 18th nationally in goals-against average (1.05).
With four goals and three assists, Torrence is also enjoying a breakout season on the offensive end. Her latest assist came on the Bears' most important goal of the year, a re-direct off the stick of senior Ann Kopera that put Ursinus ahead 2-0 in the second half of Saturday's win against Muhlenberg. Kopera's marker, which came off a blast by Torrence at the top of the circle following a corner, officially ensured that the Bears would host this weekend's CC championship tournament.
A two-time All-American and three-time all-region performer, Torrence has one of four defensive saves for Ursinus this season and has notched nine for her career.
The Bears will square off with either Haverford or Dickinson in the first CC semifinal at noon Saturday.