Oct. 11, 2011
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa juniors Jessica Barnett and Kathleen McGraw have earned Big Ten weekly honors, the conference announced Tuesday. Barnett, a midfielder, was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week and McGraw, a goalkeeper, was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week. It is the first career weekly honor for both.
It marks Iowa’s third and fourth weekly honors of the season. Kim Scraper won back-to-back offensive weekly awards Sept. 6 and Sept. 13. McGraw becomes Iowa’s first defensive winner since Meghan Beamesderfer in 2009 (Nov. 2). The honors also mark the first time Iowa has had two weekly winners in the same week since Nov. 2 of 2009, when Sarah Drake garnered Freshman of the Week honors.
“Jess (Barnett) and Merty (Kathleen McGraw) had unbelievable presence in both games this weekend,” said head coach Tracey Griesbaum. “Jess did a great job of converting on our penalty corners. She ran the field and defended with great intensity. Merty was poised and aggressive. Her decision making and ability to organize were excellent.”
Barnett played a key role in both wins over the weekend, tallying three goals on four shots and a crucial defensive save. In the 3-0 win over the 18th-ranked Buckeyes Saturday, Barnett scored two goals on two shots. The North Vancouver, Canada, native scored the game-winning goal against Ohio Sunday and added a defensive save.
McGraw tallied 11 assists and recorded her fifth shutout of the season in the win at Ohio State Saturday. The native of Atherton, Calif., came up big again for Iowa on Sunday, as she led Iowa to a 2-1 win at Ohio. She allowed only one goal and saved 10 shots. For the weekend, the Hawkeye goalkeeper notched 21 saves, one shutout and allowed only one goal in 140 minutes of action.
No. 13 Iowa (10-3, 2-2) continues action this weekend when it hosts Indiana in its final home game. The Hawkeyes will face the Hoosiers Saturday at 1 p.m. at Grant Field. Iowa will honor senior Becca Spengler. Admission is free.