GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - Southwestern University Women's Soccer sophomore defender Matti Penders collects the program's first SAA Defensive Player of the Week in the first year in the league. Penders was the anchor of the back line for the Pirates in the 3-1 victory against Our Lady of the Lake University and the 3-0 victory over University of Dallas. 

Penders is the Pirates center back who has emerged as a leader and lethal free kick specialist. The sophomore stepped up for a free kick just in front of the half line in the 85th minute. Penders sent a rocket over the keepers head into the back of the net for a highlight reel goal. The strike marked her first career goal as a Pirate. 

Defensively, after the lone goal in the first half on Friday, Penders led the Eagles to 166 straight scoreless minutes for the opponents. She played the entirety of Friday's match, while excelling in 78 minutes of play on Sunday. 

The award is also heavily contributed to her fellow defenders and goalkeeper on the back line as the Pirates have momentum heading into SAA play. Southwestern takes some time off before their next match at Berry College on October 3.