April 6, 2009
NORFOLK, Va. -- Sarah Geary (Springfield, Pa./Springfield HS) was named the Colonial Athletic Association Co-Rookie of the Week today, after a superb effort in three games last week. Geary led ODU past the 9th ranked Virginia Cavaliers for the first time in school history and then notched a career-high 19 saves against Towson, who was receiving votes. With the 2-1 week, ODU vaulted to 20th nationally according to WomensLax.com. Geary is 7-3 in her first year between the pipes.
The redshirt freshman goalkeeper improved to 7-3 with one of the biggest wins in school history, playing all 60 minutes and earning the win against ninth ranked Virginia. It was the first win in 33 matchups with the Cavs and Geary held them to just 10 goals allowed, over three less than their average.
She also stepped up in a big way against Towson, allowing just seven goals to the Tigers, who were averaging over 13 per game coming in. Her season- and career-high 19 saves as she faced a season-high 38 shots were highlighted by a terrific final ten minutes, facing six shots, two free-position attempts and allowing no scores. For the game, she held the Tigers to just 2-10 on free-position attempts.
Her save percentage shot up to over 51 percent (.512) after her 2-1 week, leading the league in that category. Her goals against average dropped to 10.01 and she ranks fourth in the CAA. She had five caused turnovers and 13 ground balls for the Lady Monarchs this week.
Geary shares the award with Stephanie Allen from Delaware and the CAA Player of the Week was Hofstra defender Alysse Ruszkowski.
ODU returns to the field this Friday, April 10 at 4:00 pm as they host George Mason at the Powhatan Sports Complex. The Patriots are 5-5 overall and 1-1 in the CAA.