The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) named Piedmont College senior goalkeeper Michaela Gardner its National Player of the Week after her performance led Piedmont to a USA South Conference title on Saturday.
Just two weeks ago, Piedmont saw its first NSCAA National Player of the Week honor in the NCAA Era (since 2003) when freshman forward Cassidy Reich earned a spot on the list, scoring five goals in two conference games. Though Reich also had a moment worthy of national attention this past weekend scoring the game-winning goal in the conference final with just 15.3 seconds left in double overtime, she would not have had that opportunity if not for Gardner's play in the goal.
With the USA South Championship Game tied at 0-0 and the title hanging in the balance, Methodist University looked to have the game won when a penalty kick was awarded to the Monarchs in the first overtime period of the final. However, Taylor Cavazos' shot was saved incredibly by Gardner who made the diving stop to keep Piedmont's season alive and set up Reich's dramatic gamewinner with just seconds left in double overtime.
Overall, Gardner had 12 saves on the USA South Final four weekend with seven against Maryville in the semis and five more in the final the next day including the biggest of her career and perhaps one of the biggest in Piedmont women's soccer history with her PK stop in overtime.
Leading the USA South in goals against average and save percentage, Gardner has already broken Piedmont's single season record with her 13th solo shutout of 2015 coming this past Saturday. Having been named an All-Conference and USA South All-Tournament team selection, Gardner ranks in the top ten in the country in both goals against average and save percentage as well.
Gardner and the Lady Lions will be back in action this Saturday when the team travels to Kentucky for its first round NCAA tourney matchup with Thomas More College. The NCAA appearance is the third in five years for the women's soccer program.
