De Bruin, Black NFHCA DII Field Hockey Players of the Week

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO  — Valerie De Bruin, a first-year midfielder from Belmont Abbey College, and Sam Black, a senior goalkeeper from Slippery Rock University, have been named this week’s NFHCA Division II Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively. Marissa Rice, a junior midfielder from Kutztown University, and Rachel Miller, a senior goalkeeper from Southern Connecticut State University, also received honorable mention nods for Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week. The NFHCA Player of the Week program is sponsored by Wrappit Wrappit.

NFHCA Division II Offensive Player of the Week

Valerie De Bruin, Belmont Abbey College, First-Year, Midfielder (Haarlem, Netherlands)

• Scored the first three goals across conference wins over Wingate and Lander.
• Recorded two goals just over three minutes apart in the Crusaders’ win over Wingate.
• Tallied the game-winning goal in a 2-0 road win at Lander.
• Earned SAC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

NFHCA Division II Defensive Player of the Week

Sam Black, Slippery Rock University, Fifth Year, Goalkeeper (Fredericksburg, VA)

• Made six saves in Slippery Rock’s 2-1 road win at Millersville.
• Denied two attempts four seconds apart late in the third quarter to keep the game tied going into the fourth quarter.
• Helped Slippery Rock secure its first win over Millersville since 2007.
• Earned PSAC Defensive Athlete of the Week honors.

NFHCA Division II Honorable Mention

Offensive: Marissa Rice, Kutztown University, Junior, Midfielder (Lancaster, PA)​

• Scored twice in the opening 11 minutes of Kutztown’s conference win over then-No. 7 IUP.
• Earned PSAC Athlete of the Week honors.

Defensive: Rachel Miller, Southern Connecticut State University, Senior, Goalkeeper (Norwalk, CT)

• Stopped all 11 shots faced over 90 scoreless minutes, including seven saves in a conference win over AIC.
• Earned NE10 Goalkeeper of the Week honors.