Boca Raton, FL - Making a career-high 14 saves in a shutout victory over Furman University has earned Florida Atlantic University women’s soccer junior goalkeeper Ashley Lantes honors as the Sun Belt Conference’s Player of the Week.  Lantes becomes the first FAU player to earn the league honor since 2007.

“It is noteworthy to see a goalkeeper get this recognition since offensive-minded players usually get these accolades,” said Brian Dooley, FAU’s head women’s soccer coach.  “Ashley’s performance helped the team to an important victory.  This personal honor shows that other teams in the league took note of our big team victory.”

Lantes, a native of Clermont, played an instrumental role in the Owls’ 1-0 victory over the Paladins on September 16.  The visitors made a furious last-ditch effort to tie the match in the second half, requiring Lantes to make several key saves.  The victory assured the team its first winning record in non-conference play since 2005.

“I earned an honor for just doing my job,” said Lantes.  “The victory was a team effort since the goalkeeper’s success relies so heavily on the defenders doing their job well.  So, really, this was a team honor, and I’m taking that approach.”

Lantes’ 14-save effort on September 16 tied for second-most saves in a single game in FAU history.  Her previous best was 12 saves against the University of Arkansas during her freshman season in 2009.  The shutout was the third this season for Lantes, who ranks third in the Sun Belt Conference with 39 saves and has recorded a .796 save percentage.

“The award validates Ashley’s standing among the best goalkeepers in our conference,” said Dooley.

FAU takes a 4-3 record into the start of Sun Belt Conference action on Friday, September 23, when the team plays at Arkansas State University.  The team will wrap up the weekend at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock on Sunday, September 25.

Follow the Owls this season at www.fausports.com.

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