IU’s Noëlle Rother won the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Week award after notable performances against then-No. 6 Northwestern and No. 14 Boston College last weekend.
Rother received the award last season too after helping IU defeat ranked opponents Iowa and Northwestern and registering 18 total saves.
Rother also received the Big Ten Freshman of the Week award three times.
The sophomore goalie played a major role for the Hoosiers in their upset victory over the Wildcats last Friday by blocking 11 shots on target and only allowing one goal.
“Honestly, she does not get the applause she deserves,” junior defender Elle Hempt said. “She makes some amazing saves, and her communication is phenomenal. She is the backbone of our entire defense, and she does not get praised enough for all that she does.”
Last Sunday, although the Hoosiers were defeated 2-0 by the Eagles, the Germany native again was the player to watch on the Hoosier defense and notched eight saves.
This season, Rother has a total of 76 saves, 30 fewer than her total last year, with five games still remaining in the regular season.
“Noëlle is really improving,” IU Coach Amanda Janney said. “I think her leadership in the backfield is impressive to see, that she is really doing a great job to communicate with the defense, and again, the effort is just amazing to watch. She just does everything in her power to dive, make those big saves, and she is really a fun player to watch.”
IU hits the road this weekend to play against No.12 Michigan and Michigan State.
Juan Alvarado
