BY FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After playing all 202 minutes for the Tigers through two-consecutive overtime matches, Alex Polignano has been named the newest MIAA Defender of the Week, the conference office announced Tuesday (Sept. 18). Polignano, a sophomore defender, has been a vital part of her Fort Hays State team who boasts a 2-2-2 record through six matches this season.
Polignano anchored a Tiger defense which had a 0.44 goals against average for the week, including a shutout 1-0 overtime win against Nebraska-Kearney. Prior to that contest, Fort Hays State played in another extra period match in which they ended in a 1-1 draw against Emporia State. Through the two matches, FHSU allowed 17 shots for the week to conclude with an average of 8.5 per match. Within regulation time, Fort Hays State allowed 15 of those shots with the remaining two coming in their overtime periods.
Her defensive strengths also helped Tiger goalkeeper Megan Kneefel go 1-0-1 for the week, another player who was present for all 202 minutes of the week.
Polignano and the rest of her Tiger squad hits the road for two-straight away matches this weekend. First, Fort Hays State concludes its non-conference schedule with a visit to Washburn in Topeka on Friday (Sept. 21) for a 6 p.m. night match. Following that, the Tigers open up MIAA play with a Sunday (Sept. 23) meting at Emporia State set for 2 p.m.