Sept. 29, 2004

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Crystal Royall, the Samford University soccer team's senior goalkeeper, was named the Ohio Valley Conference's Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday, after she turned in a brilliant shutout performance in the Bulldogs' 1-0 win over Jacksonville State last week.

Royall, a native of Richmond, Va., earned her second-straight shutout victory against Jacksonville State and increased her all-time Samford record in career shutouts to 16.5. On Sept. 17, she registered her first shutout of the 2004 campaign in a lopsided 2-0 win versus Troy.

On Friday, Royall staved off four Gamecock shots in Samford's opening OVC contest of the season, including a pair of late second-half attempts from point-blank range.

With 8:42 remaining in the match, Jacksonville State's Joanna McCaughey picked off an errant Bulldog pass and took off on a one-versus-one breakaway against Royall. The Gamecocks' midfielder attempted to even the score at 1-1, but Royall made a full-length diving save to her right to maintain the victory.

Royall has only allowed a total of five goals this season.

The Samford University soccer team will next be in action on Friday as the Bulldogs embark on a critical OVC road trip versus the Murray State Racers at 4 p.m., in Murray, Ky. On Sunday, Samford will remain on the road and square off against Tennessee-Martin at 2 p.m.

Ohio Valley Conference

Players of the Week

Sept. 29, 2004

Defensive Player of the Week: Crystal Royall, Sr., GK, Richmond, Va. - Samford

Offensive Player of the Week: Theresa Reedy, Sr., F, St. Ann, Mo. - Murray State