Clarksville, Ark.-Senior forward Ricky Herrera and freshman defender Nathan Abbott were named American Southwest Conference Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week following their playoff clinching win at Austin College on October 31.
Herrera, a 5-10, 160-pound native of Las Cruces, New Mexico, torched both Austin College and Rhodes College for goals last week en route to setting the Ozarks career goals-scored record with 53. Herrera scored his career-tying goal in the 85th minute at Austin College, then netted the record-setting goal in the fifth minute against Rhodes on Sunday. Herrera broke Marcos Gonzalez’ record set in 2001. Herrera ranks second at Ozarks in career points (124), first in career game-winning goals (13) and fourth career assists (17). It is the second time this season Herrera has been named ASC Offensive Player of the Week. Abbott, a 5-8, 145-pound native of Pryor, Oklahoma, played a big role in Ozarks’ 3-0 win against Austin. Playing for the injured Lars Nyberg, Abbott filled-in and made a defensive presence denying Austin College conversions on their 14 corner kicks. Abbott has started in 14 matches this season and is one of four Ozarks’ players to receive conference defensive player of the week honors this season. The Eagles will make their fourth consecutive appearance in the playoffs this weekend when they travel to Richardson, Texas, to face McMurry University on November 7. Game time is set for 4 p.m. The championship match is set for November 8 at 6 p.m.
Topics: Athletics