SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Mercer forward Abigail Zoeller and Chattanooga goalkeeper Abbey Saddler have been named the Southern Conference women’s soccer offensive and defensive players of the week, respectively, for all competition Sept.3 – Sept. 9.

Mercer won its lone contest of the week, downing Gardner-Webb 2-1 on Friday, Sept. 6, in double overtime. Zoeller, a native of Independence, Kentucky, scored both goals in the win. Each goal came on a penalty kick, as she tied the contest in the 51^st minute. She netted the game winner in the 108^th minute as Mercer moved to 4-1 to sit alone atop the conference standings. The junior preseason all-conference selection leads the conference in shots per game (3.80), assists (four), and assists per game (.80) and is second in shots (19) and points (four).

Saddler picks up her second honor in three weeks after Chattanooga played to a 1-1 draw against Alabama on Sunday, Sept. 8. The sophomore goalkeeper played all 110 minutes, allowing just one goal despite facing 16 shots. She tallied three saves, all in extra time, in the contest. 

Mercer hosts Georgia State on Friday, Sept. 13 and travels to Jacksonville State for a contest on Sunday, Sept. 15, while Chattanooga plays at No. 9 Vanderbilt on Thursday, Sept. 12.

Also nominated for offensive player of the week: Anjela Kricak (ETSU), Alyssa Frazier (Samford), Bailey Gale (Chattanooga), Julia Winter (Western Carolina) and Katie Gilligan (Wofford).

Also nominated for defensive player of the week: Erin O’Hearn (Furman) and Melody Mezzina (Western Carolina).

2019 SoCon Women’s Soccer Offensive Players of the Week

Aug. 27       Caitlyn Reilly, Sr., MF, Furman
Sept. 3         Nicole Icen, Fr., F, Mercer
Sept. 10      Abigail Zoeller, Jr., F/MF, Mercer 

2019 SoCon Women’s Soccer Defensive Players of the Week

Aug. 27       Abbey Saddler, So., GK, Chattanooga
Sept. 3         Tess Mrozek, So., GK, ETSU
Sept. 10       Abbey Saddler, So., GK, Chattanooga

-www.SoConSports.com-