Welsh Named ACC Field Hockey Player Of The Week
10/22/2001 8:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 22, 2001
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Two-time All-American and 2000 ACC Tournament MVP Autumn Welsh (Macungie, Pa.) was named ACC Field Hockey Player of the Week, announced Monday. The senior defensive back anchored a tremendous defensive effort in No. 2 Maryland's 1-0 overtime victory over No. 5 North Carolina.
Welsh served as a key to a defense that helped the Terps to a 21-6 shot advantage over the 76:26 minute-long match. The Honda Award hopeful also denied UNC's Stephanie Fuller with a defensive save on a fast break opportunity late in the second half to send the game to overtime.
The win boosted Maryland to a 3-1 ACC record, locking up the regular season conference title and the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament. The victory also marked the Terps' eighth shutout of the season.
Welsh is the backbone of a defense that leads the ACC and ranks third in the nation with a 0.83 goals against average. The backfield, which includes senior goalkeeper Ashley Hohnstine (Oak Hill, Va.), junior Kateri Simon (Fallston, Md.), redshirt-freshman Sara Silvetti (Wapwallopen, Pa.) and true freshman Kristin Harris (Lititz, Pa.) among others, shut out the Tar Heels, who rank second in the conference and the country in scoring offense (to the Terps). The Tar Heels averaged 4.45 goals per game headed into the match.
Welsh is a hopeful candidate for the Honda Award, given to the "most outstanding player" in 15 women's collegiate sports. She is also the co-author of "Inside the Circle," a weekly behind-the-scenes look at Maryland field hockey.
Contact: Mark Fratto
301-314-8052 (Phone)
301-314-9094 (FAX)
301-314-TERP (Fan Phone)
fratto@wam.umd.edu
