Posted: Apr 01, 2009
Sophomore midfielder Gina Valles was named Women's Lacrosse.com National Offensive Player of the Week announced this afternoon. It is the first time in her career that she has garnered this award. On Monday, she was named ODAC Player of the Week for her performances last week.
Valles, from South Windsor, CT, 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.
The Maroons (7-4, 4-0 ODAC) are undefeated and atop the latest conference standings after a memorable week. The women knocked off Randolph-Macon, 11-4 in Ashland for the first time there since 2002. It was also the first win for fifth-year head coach Mary Schwartz against the Yellow Jackets. They capped the week by defeating then-#12 Washington & Lee, 12-8 for the first time since 1999. It was also the most goals scored against the Generals since 1994.
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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