Aug. 27, 2012

EASTON, Pa.- Senior Emily Valeo and sophomore Brittany Blass took home Patriot League Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week honors respectively, the league announced Monday.

In a 5-1 win against Ball State in their season opener, Blass and Valeo stood out as they netted three of the five goals and helped a Lafayette defense that surrendered just five shots all afternoon.

The reigning Patriot League Rookie of the Year, Blass scored twice in style, notching her first less than five minutes into the game, and her second, the gamewinner, in the 53rd minute.

"Brittany played a solid, strong game in the backfield, with excellent tackling in deep defense," head coach Andrew Griffiths said. "She is working on improving her vocal leadership to control the defensive unit, but it is great to have such a strong player in front of our goalkeeper."

Blass, a Preseason All-Patriot League selection, earns her first Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week honor.

Valeo contributed a goal and two assists in the Ball State victory. Playing multiple positions, Valeo contributed to three of the Leopards' final four goals.

"Emily scored a beautiful reverse stick goal in the second half," Griffiths added. "Although we want her to release the ball a bit quicker from the midfield, she played a good first game and is always a threat on the field."

Valeo, who joined Blass and senior Deanna DiCroce on the Patriot League Preseason All-Patriot League team, earns her first Offensive Player of the Week nod.

Next up for the Leopards is a trip to James Madison at noon on Saturday.