Women's Soccer | 10/21/2024 2:31:00 PM

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - After allowing one goal in two matches and helping her team two a pair of hard-fought draws, Samantha Merklin (Effort, Pa./Pleasant Valley) garnered her third Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division Defensive Athlete of the Week honor Monday afternoon.

Merklin's defensive efforts throughout 2024 have been key to the Huskies' performances all season. With today's weekly award, Merklin gains her third weekly honor of the season for her shot-stopping results.

Bloomsburg began the week on Wednesday with a 0-0 draw on the road at East Stroudsburg. Merklin finished with five saves in the contest to help keep her team level. The junior returned between the woodwork on Saturday to help force a 1-1 draw against Millersville with postseason implications on the line.

With just a few weeks remaining in the regular season, Merklin's play in goal will continue to be the backbone of her team's success. In her first season starting for the Huskies, Merklin sits in the top six among every major goalkeeper statistical category in the conference.

The Huskies return to Steph Pettit Stadium for one game this week, with Bloomsburg facing off with Mansfield at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23. To keep up with the Bloomsburg women's soccer program and the rest of Bloomsburg Athletics, follow along online at buhuskies.com or on social media on X(formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.