Ball State University Athletics
Benyrova Named MAC Defensive Player Of The Week
September 06, 2011 | Soccer
MUNCIE, Ind. - Ball State soccer freshman defender Pavla Benyrova (Prague, Czech Republic/Gymnasium Prague 9) has been named the Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced Tuesday. The award is the first of her career and the first weekly honor of the season for the Cardinals.
Benyrova, a member of the Czech Republic National Team, was part of the Cardinals' defense which only allowed two goals against on the weekend and guided Ball State to a come-from-behind victory at Indiana State Friday night. She scored her first career collegiate goal in dramatic fashion against the Sycamores, posting the game-winning double-overtime goal to lift the Cardinals to a 2-1 victory over ISU.
Benyrova scored on a shot from 40 yards out into the side netting, beating Indiana State goalkeeper Emily Lahay in the 104th minute of action. The victory improved Ball State to 8-0-0 all-time against its in-state rivals.
Benyrova is the Ball State soccer student-athlete with national team experience and the first recruit from the Czech Republic. She spent the past three seasons as part of the Czech Republic National Team (2009-11) and made seven appearances during the 2009 season in World Cup qualifying. She played 332 minutes in the qualifying round, including all 90 minutes in the Czech Republic's victories over Wales and Belgium.
Benyrova and the Cardinals continue their four-game road swing this weekend as they travel to Flagstaff, Ariz., to take part in the NAU High Altitude Tournament. Ball State opens weekend play Friday against host Northern Arizona before facing Lamar Sunday morning.
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