West Central Reporter

WIU Goalkeeper Isabel Navas Rodriguez has been recognized as the Ohio Valley Conference Co-Goalkeeper of the Week following her performance in the opening week of the 2023 season. The announcement was made by the conference on Tuesday, August 22.

Rodriguez contributed significantly to her team's efforts with three saves over two games, including a clean sheet against Chicago State on Sunday. Her crucial save against the Cougars secured Western Illinois' first win of the season.

Head Coach Josée Primeau praised Rodriguez's efforts, stating, "Isabel did very well over the weekend during our Chicago State game. She's worked extremely hard this preseason and to see her keep a clean sheet was a great way to end the weekend."

The Leathernecks are scheduled to face Northern Iowa at home on Thursday, August 22 at 5:30 P.M.

The Ohio Valley Conference also announced other weekly honors. Abby Reinl from Eastern Illinois was named Offensive Player of the Week, while Catey Hunt from UT Martin received Defensive Player of the Week honors. Alongside Rodriguez, Poppy Bastock from UT Martin was also named Co-Goalkeeper of the Week.

Rodriguez is a senior goalkeeper from Madrid, Spain, playing for Western Illinois. Her performance in recent matches includes one win and one loss: a 0-3 defeat against Northern Illinois and a 1-0 victory at Chicago State. Over these games, she played for 180 minutes, allowed three goals, made three saves, and achieved one shutout.