Sept. 24, 2012

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - St. Bonaventure's Shannon Van Riper and Butler's Sophia Maccagnone have been named the Atlantic 10 Conference Women's Soccer Player and Rookie of the Week, respectively, the league announced Monday. The awards are given for games played September 18-23.

Van Riper earned Player of the Week after contributing to both Bona wins against Niagara and Canisius. The redshirt senior scored twice on corner kicks against rival Niagara, including the game-winner on Friday (Sept. 21). The Groton, Mass., native then delivered the game-tying goal on a penalty kick in the Bonnies comeback win over Canisius on Sunday (Sept. 23). Van Riper leads the team with four goals on the season. With two wins on the weekend, St. Bonaventure improved to 3-6-1 heading into conference play and will travel to La Salle Friday (Sept. 28).

For the second straight week, Maccagnone has been named A-10 Rookie of the Week. Maccagnone scored both of Butler's goals in a 2-1 victory over Youngstown State on Saturday (Sept. 22). The Shelby Township, Mich., native fired seven shots on against the Penguins, put five on goal, and found the back of the net twice. Maccagnone has scored seven of the Bulldogs' 12 goals this season and is the co-leader in the Atlantic 10 for goals (7) and third in shots (41). Butler improved to 6-3-1 with its win over YSU and will host Saint Louis for its first conference matchup Saturday (Sept 29).