Bujouves named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week

IU women’s soccer sophomore midfielder Jessie Bujouves was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week Monday for the first time in her collegiate career after her weekend performance.

Bujouves earned the honor after scoring two goals in as many games against Eastern Michigan on Friday and Eastern Kentucky on Sunday.

She netted what proved to be the lone goal in Friday’s 1-0 win over Eastern Michigan with a header off sophomore Kayleigh Steigerwalt’s corner kick. It was the first time that Bujouves had been put into the starting lineup by IU Coach Amy Berbary this season.

“Jessie earned a starting spot this week, and we couldn’t have asked for more,” Berbary said.

In Sunday’s game, an almost identical play occurred as Steigerwalt found Bujouves’ head yet again for the opening goal of IU’s 5-0 win over Eastern Kentucky. Bujouves went on to add an assist when she found senior Lisa Nouanesengsy for what ended up being Nouansengsy’s third goal of the game.

Bujouves said she was just happy to help the team win.

“I was just grateful that I was able to start,” Bujouves said. “It is great to be able to contribute to the team’s success.”

Bujouves became the first Hoosier to be named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week since Nouanesengsy earned it for the week of Aug. 20, 2012. Goalie Shannon Flower earned the honor of Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week earlier this season.

Follow reporter Sam Beishuizen on Twitter @Sam_Beishuizen.