Hillman Named MVC Defensive Player of the Week
The awards continue to roll in this season for the Valpo soccer program, as the Beacons claimed yet another weekly award from the Missouri Valley Conference office on Monday. This time, it was senior right back Abbey Hillman (Naperville, Ill./Naperville Central [Loyola]) who was honored as the MVC Defensive Player of the Week.
Hillman played all 90 minutes at right back in both matches last week as the Valpo defense surrendered just nine combined shot attempts in a pair of shutouts, blanking Illinois State and Evansville. The senior made an impact on the other end as well, making a run from right back to knock home an insurance goal in the victory over the Purple Aces on Sunday.
Hillman has been a stalwart in the defense in MVC play, playing all but 11 minutes over Valpo’s six conference matches as the Beacons’ defense has posted five shutouts, surrendered just one goal and given up just an average of 8.5 shots per game.
Valpo has claimed six weekly awards from the conference office this season, with Hillman becoming the fifth different Beacon to pick up an honor this year.