Women's College Soccer

Rider's Ballay Rookie of Week, Again

LAWRENCEVILLE-Tara Ballay, a freshman midfielder on the Rider University women's soccer team, was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week for all games played August 27-September 3.

"Tara had another big impact in the game on Sunday," said Rider head coach Drayson Hounsome.

It marked the second time in as many weeks this season that Ballay (Delran, NJ/Delran High) has been so honored.

Last week in Rider's 2-1 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson, Ballay took a pass and headed it to her teammate, who headed the ball into the net for the game-winning goal with 2:36 left to play.

"She re-entered the game when FDU equalized and was immediately involved with Claire Thompson to get us back in the lead," Hounsome said.

"Winning important tackles and providing the vital pass to Claire for the late game winner," Hounsome said. "It's a big bonus to have a first year player actively involved in some of the most mentally demanding moments of the game"

The victory gave Rider a program-best 4-0 record on the season.  In those four victories Ballay has a team-high five points (two goals, one assist).

Ballay and the Broncs travel to Annapolis, MD for the Navy Tournament this weekend, taking on the host Naval Academy Friday night and George Washington University Sunday afternoon.

-ru-