It’s unclear how exactly Kat Rader found the space to shoot. Three Virginia defenders closed in on her, cutting off passing lanes, and apeparing to obscure her line of sight towards the goal. But a neat touch out of her feet created the necessary half yard, and she sent the ball into the far corner. It was her second major contribution of the evening in Duke’s(w) ACC Tournament First Round win. It also capped off an excellent week for the freshman, one in which she played a part in three of the Blue Devils’ four goals, as they closed out the regular season and clinched a spot in the conference semis. And although there were standout players across college soccer, Rader’s contributions were more valuable than any.

Player of The Week: Kat Rader, Duke

55’ | Blue Devils reclaim the lead ‼️‼️

Kat with her second goal of the game assisted by Michelle!

🔵😈 2, ⚔️ 1#GoDuke pic.twitter.com/cLaXWEhNpc

— Duke Women's Soccer (@DukeWSOC) October 31, 2022

Women's Team of the Week: October 24-30

GK Marlee Nicolos, Santa Clara - Nicolos posted 12 saves to secure a 0-0 draw for the Broncos at BYU. Her play led the way as Santa Clara became the first team to shut out BYU at home since 2018.

D Sarah Melcher, TCU - Melcher starred in the offensive third, scoring twice as the Horned Frogs battered Kansas. She was also part of a stout defense that held the Jayhawks to just one goal.

D Anja Suttner, Hofstra- Suttner was at the center of Hofstra’s unexpected run in the CAA tournament. The German defender scored one and assisted another as the Pride advanced to the conference championship.

D Lilly Reale, UCLA - Reale offered quality at both ends for the Bruins in a 2-0 week. Her defensive play helped hold opponents to just four shots on target over 180 minutes. She also scored the winning goal against Washington State.

D Mieke Schiemann, Penn State - Schiemann notched the game winning assist as the Nittany Lions beat Wisconsin on the road in the Big Ten Tournament first round.

M Rowan Lapi, Northwestern- Lapi played a crucial role in Northwestern’s Big Ten Tournament win over Rutgers, bagging the equalizer — an impressive hit from 25 yards out.

M Josefine Hasbo, Harvard - With Harvard needing a win to stay in the Ivy League title picture, Hasbo delivered. The Danish midfielder assisted on both goals as the Crimson edged Dartmouth on the road.

M Alexa Spaanstra, Virginia - Spaanstra scored twice last week, bagging goals against Miami(w) and Duke. She was an attacking menace in the latter, creating countless chances as Virginia pushed for an equalizer.

F Kat Rader, Duke - Rader’s three goal contributions were crucial for a Duke side that appears to be finding form at the right time. Her understanding with Michelle Cooper could be devastating in the weeks to come.

F Jordyn Wickes, Michigan State - Wickes came off the bench to score twice and lift Michigan State over a resilient Minnesota side. Her second goal — a right footed strike from outside the box — was one of the best of the week.

F Nicole Douglas, Arizona State - Nicole has been among the best goalscorers in college soccer this season, with 14 to her name so far. Five of them came last week, as the Sun Devils went 1-1 to stay in the NCAA Tournament picture.

Honorable Mentions:

GK Ashley Orkus (Mississippi), F Michelle Cooper (Duke), F Brynn Gardner (Bowling Green), GK F Chioma Okafor (Connecticut), GK Kaitlyn Mahoney (Connecticut, M Amber Liston (Campbell), F Sarah Weber (Nebraska), GK Mac Titus (Mississippi State), M Michelle Pak (Oklahoma), GK Olivia Ramey (Oklahoma), M Ava Collins (St. John's), GK Louisa Ramsauer (Oral Roberts), M Lexi Missimo (Texas)

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