MIAMI, Fla. - For the first time in her career, freshman goalkeeper Mariah Ruckdeschel was named Sun Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, Oct. 19 following her 11-save, shutout performance at home in the 1-0 win over St. Thomas. 

The freshman from Tampa, Fla. was phenomenal in her third start of her career, as the 5-foot-10 goalkeeper posted her second career shutout. She started in goal for USCB and went the distance in the one-goal victory versus the Bobcats. She faced 23 Bobcat shots and recorded 11 saves (career high) in the shutout. She was forced to make six saves in the first half off 13 shots, while collecting five saves on 10 shots in the second half.

On the year, Ruckdeschel has started three games and sports a 2-1 record. She has allowed just three goals, as she totes her stellar 1.00 goals against average. She has a .875 save percentage and has faced 51 shots on the year.

Ruckdeschel and USCB will return to the pitch on Saturday, Oct. 24, as the Sand Sharks will hit the road for the first time since Sept. 26. USCB will face Ave Maria in Ave Maria, Fla. for an 11 a.m. kickoff in the Sunshine State.