COLLEGE PARK, MD -- Graduate senior Meghan Ball was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week by the conference on Tuesday for her impressive performances against Georgetown and Rutgers.

Ball, the reigning Big Ten Defender of the Year, had two caused turnovers and five draws against the Hoyas, followed by two more caused turnovers, four draws and one ground ball over Rutgers. Her work on the defensive end helped the Terps to a 9-1 overall record, leading to a No. 1 ranking in this week's IWLCA poll.

Ball has showcased her veteran leadership throughout the season aiding Maryland to the second best scoring defense in the conference and fifth in the nation (7.30), as well as forcing 1.40 shot clock violations per game.

This is the seventh Big Ten weekly honor of Ball's career and first of the season. She leads the team in caused turnovers (19) and ground balls (17) and has the second most draw controls at 41.

Ball and the No. 1 Terps will be back in action this Wednesday for a top-15 matchup with No. 14 Penn in College Park. The contest is slated for 6:00 p.m. on Big Ten Network. Click to get tickets.