Gwisdala named SEC offensive player of the week

FAYETTEVILLE – University of Arkansas freshman Sarah Gwisdala was named the Southeastern Conference’s offensive player of the week in soccer on Monday afternoon.

Gwisdala scored two of Arkansas’ three goals on the weekend to lead the Lady Razorbacks to a win and a tie against Southeastern Conference opponents Vanderbilt and Kentucky. In Friday night’s contest, Gwisdala netted Arkansas’ second score and game winner versus the Commodores, then tallied Arkansas’ only score against the Wildcats on Sunday.

“This is an honor well earned,” Arkansas head coach Gordon Henderson said. “Sarah is a player that has been developing over the past few weeks and I think that the last two games were a breakout weekend. Since she is only a freshman I believe that the future looks bright for Arkansas soccer. This is also a great accomplishment for our team. I think that Sarah would be the first to say that this is a reward for all the hard work that the team has put in since the beginning of the season.”

The Plano, Texas, native’s appointment as the SEC offensive player of the week is just the fourth time in UA history that a Lady Razorback has been given the honor. Former Lady’Back Brittany Burns was the first in September of 1996 and she was followed by Julie Williford who took the title twice in September of 2001 and 2003. Gwisdala is the first Arkansas freshman to earn the honor.

On the season, Gwisdala leads the Lady Razorbacks with six goals and 12 points. She is also the only Arkansas player to score in SEC play this season. Her six-goal effort is one shy from second-place all time on Arkansas’ list for goals as a freshman and halfway through the season is six shy of the all-time mark set by Amy VanLaecke in the fall of 1993.

Gwisdala’s effort last weekend led Arkansas to its first undefeated opening weekend in SEC play since 1993 and the Lady Razorbacks four points place them in second place in the conference’s western division behind the 28th-ranked Auburn Tigers.

The Lady Razorbacks are back in action this Friday night when they travel to Mississippi State University to take on the Bulldogs in a pivotal SEC match. For more information about lady Razorback soccer, visit the Arkansas women’s athletics home on the web at www.ladybacks.com.