IRVING, Texas — No. 1 BYU women’s soccer defender Olivia Smith-Griffitts received Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors for the first time, the league announced Wednesday.
No. 1 BYU faced up-state foe Utah last week, defeating the Utes 6-1 on their home field. The Cougars have moved to 7-0 to start their 2023 campaign, the best record to start a season since 2019.
All of BYU’s Big 12 weekly awards have been given to defenders so far this season.
Smith-Griffitts started in the game against Utah last week, registering 64 minutes on the pitch. During her time on the field, Smith-Griffitts tallied two goals, both coming from outside the 18-yard box for her first career brace. She took four shots total, three of which were on frame.
Aside from her help on the offensive side of the ball last week, the Eagle, Idaho native has made major contributions on the defensive side of the ball this season. Smith-Griffitts’ speed and strength has helped BYU’s backline hold-off major opponents.
BYU has not allowed more than two goals in a single game, with Saint Louis being the only team to do so. The Cougar defense has held some of the best offenses in the nation, including former NCAA College Cup Champion UCLA, to under 10 shots on goal per game.
Listed below are the Big 12 awards won by BYU soccer players this season:
Week 1:
Kendell Petersen: Defensive Player of the Week
Week 3:
Kendell Petersen: Defensive Player of the Week
Week 4:
Olivia Smith-Griffitts: Defensive Player of the Week