Posted: Mar 30, 2009
Sophomore midfielder Gina Valles was named the women's lacrosse ODAC Player of the Week announced this afternoon. It was the first time this season a Maroon garnered the weekly honor and the third time in Valles career.
Valles, a junior from South Windsor, Connecticut, helped the Maroons to a pair of ODAC wins over Randolph-Macon and Washington and Lee, the latter victory snapping a 15-game skid against the Generals while also handing W&L its first loss in ODAC play since 2004. Valles scored four times in the win over R-MC, also collecting two ground balls and a draw control. It was the first win in Ashland since 2002 and gave head coach Mary Schwartz her first win over the Yellow Jackets. The Westminster product came back to score seven of Roanoke's 12 goals in the victory over W&L. She beat the keeper for three consecutive goals over a seven minute span late in the second half to secure the Maroons victory.
The 2008 ODAC and State of Virginia College Division Rookie of the Year currently leads the team with 41 goals, 49 points, 80 shots, 65 shots on goal, three game-winners, four free-position goals and 44 groundballs. Earlier this month, Valles became the 26th member of the 100-point club at Roanoke and is currently tied for 28th in career scoring (128 pts). She is also ranked 10th all-time in career draw controls (67) and is only 10 goals shy of breaking into the career top-10 with 105.
Roanoke is currently 7-4 on the season, 4-0 in the ODAC. They are 2-4 against teams ranked in the IWLCA Top-20 Poll, with wins coming against Mary Washington and Washington & Lee. The Maroons received votes in the previous three polls and will look to crack the top-20 this week.
The women will host Greensboro in non-conference action on Wednesday, April 1 at Kerr Stadium. The Maroons hold a 4-1 series lead over the Pride, including winning the last three meetings by a combined score of 52-17. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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