After posting two more shutouts to continue her streak of not allowing a goal in Mid-American Conference play, Ball State University goalkeeper Rachael Murphy earned the MAC Soccer Player of the Week Monday.
Murphy shut out Western Michigan University in a 2-0 win Sunday and Northern Illinois University Friday in a scoreless tie. She had a season-high six saves against Northern Illinois and two more against Western Michigan.
"It's pretty neat," Murphy said. "It was definitely unexpected."
Murphy leads the MAC with seven shutouts this season and six in conference play. She has twice as many shutouts in conference play as any other goalkeeper.
Murphy's seven consecutive shutouts make up the second-longest streak in MAC history as Ohio University posted nine consecutive shutouts in 2004. Ohio also holds the record for most consecutive shutouts in MAC play with eight in 2004. Ball State's six consecutive shutouts streak in conference play is tied with Eastern Michigan for second in MAC history.
"It's just really an award for the entire defense," Murphy said.
Murphy has not allowed a goal in 654:10 minutes, the longest streak by a Ball State goalkeeper in program history.
She is third in overall save percentage at 0.853 and first in save percentage in MAC games at 1.000.
She leads the MAC with a 0.44 goals against average, which is on pace to set a single-season Ball State record.
"Anytime you receive an award like this, it shows how much hard work and dedication she puts in," coach Michelle Salmon said.
It was the first time in Murphy's career that she earned the MAC Player of the Week honor. She is the first Cardinal soccer player to earn the award in more than a year. Forward Emily Rein earned the award Oct. 1, 2006, as a sophomore.
"It's hard for our players to get individual honors because all of our success relies on each other," Salmon said.
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