Sept. 18, 2007

WASHINGTON - After extending its record to 8-0 with shutouts over Kent State (3-0) and Northwestern (7-0) and posting ten goals in two games, American University field hockey players earned Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week and Patriot League Rookie of the Week. For the fourth consecutive week, Denise Infante (Santiago, Chile/Santiago) was named the Defensive Player of the Week and for the third time this season, Christine Fingerhuth (Santiago, Chile/Deutsche Schule Santiago) was honored as the Patriot League Rookie of the Week.

Taking home the award for the sixth time of her collegiate career, Infante is the only Patriot League player to earn Defensive Player of the Week honors this season. In the 3-0 win over Kent State, Infante picked up her first defensive save of the season, preventing a flash penalty corner from going in with 13:34 remaining in the second. In the 7-0 win over Northwestern, Infante tallied a goal and an assist, while also leading the team in shots with six. The senior defender was at the core of an Eagle defense that allowed just 12 shots on goal over two games, holding both opponents scoreless. The Santiago, Chile, native now has four defensive saves in her career, after recording three last season. She is first in the Patriot League and on the team in points with 18, coming off a team-leading seven goals and four assists, while her 85 career points rank her seventh among AU's all-time career point leaders.

Fingerhuth earns Rookie of the Week after posting a five point performance over the weekend. She netted two goals in the win over Kent State, including the game-winner and the last goal of the match to seal the victory with 12 minutes remaining on the clock. The Santiago, Chile, native also registered an assist on the Eagles' first goal in their 7-0 win over Northwestern. The freshman forward is at the top of the Patriot League's freshman statistics' leaders in points with 10 and goals with four.

No.9 American University field hockey goes head to head with No.2 Maryland on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the William I Jacobs Recreational Complex. Enjoy free stuff from Coca-Cola, Robeks and Apple and be sure to join the Blue Crew, AU Athletics and all fans as they strive to "Phil Jacobs."