COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. – The accolades keep pouring in for Aliki Torrence.
The Ursinus College field hockey standout, who earlier this week earned Centennial Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors and was selected to the Victory Sports Tours/NFHCA Division III Senior Game, has also been named Defensive Player of the Week by both the NFHCA and Philafieldhockey.com.
Torrence's award-filled week comes after the senior anchored the defensive effort in back-to-back shutouts of Catholic (4-0) and Muhlenberg (2-0) for Ursinus. Behind Torrence, the Bears limited two top-notch programs – both had spent time in the Division III rankings this season, and the Mules are slotted 14th in the latest poll – to a combined total of nine shots (only five on goal) and six penalty corners.
On the season, Ursinus has conceded just 19 goals and ranks 18th in the nation in goals-against average. The Bears have surrendered more than two goals in a game just twice – against top-ranked Messiah and West Chester, ranked 7th in Division II.
Torrence has put her unique versatility on display this season, becoming an integral factor in the Bears' offensive strategy, especially on penalty corners. Coming into her senior campaign with one career goal, Torrence has tallied four goals and three assists this year. Her last helper came on the biggest goal of the season, a re-direct by senior Ann Kopera that gave Ursinus a 2-0 lead in the second half against Muhlenberg and ultimately locked up hosting rights for this weekend's CC championship tournament. Torrence, who has one defensive save this season and nine for her career, has scored on five of her nine career shot attempts.
Torrence begins her final postseason march on Saturday, when Ursinus hosts Dickinson - a 4-3 winner in double overtime against Haverford - in the CC semifinals.