MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama soccer swept the Sun Belt Conference’s weekly honors Tuesday, as junior Nini Rabsatt-Smith was named Defensive Player of the Week and freshman Sophie Haywood was named Offensive Player of the Week.
The awards followed a weekend in which the Jaguars beat Southern Miss 6-0 and Southern University 7-0. It is the first Sun Belt honor for both players.
Rabsatt-Smith Anchors Back-to-Back Shutouts
Rabsatt-Smith, a Montgomery, Ala., native, played a key role in the two shutouts, which gave South Alabama four for the season. She also contributed on offense with her first goal of the season and two assists for a four-point week.
Against Southern Miss, Rabsatt-Smith scored after intercepting a pass at midfield. Against Southern, she assisted on back-to-back goals.
Haywood Records First Career Hat Trick
Haywood, a native of Hull, England, recorded her first career hat trick and added an assist in the win over Southern Miss. She then assisted on the second goal against Southern.
Haywood now has three assists this season, which ties her for second on the team.
Defense Leading the Way
South Alabama allowed seven total shots in the two matches. The Jaguars have won four of their last five matches, all four by shutout.
The last time South Alabama swept the conference’s weekly player awards was Aug. 27, 2013.
Up Next
South Alabama travels to Mississippi State for a 7 p.m. match against the Bulldogs on Friday, Sept. 12. The Jaguars, coached by Graham Winkworth, are the defending Sun Belt Tournament champions.
