North Attleboro, Mass. - Adelphi University field hockey's Marta Alvarez Auguet and Tayla Szmak were each recognized for their outstanding defensive performances over the past week, as announced by the Northeast 10 on Monday afternoon. Alvarez Auguet was named the NE10 Defensive Player of the Week, while Szmak earned NE10 Goalkeeper of the Week honors.
The duo played key roles in helping the Panthers secure back-to-back overtime victories over Pace University and Southern New Hampshire University, as the Brown and Gold improved to 9-5 on the season.
Alvarez Auguet anchored the Adelphi backline throughout the two victories, highlighted by a standout defensive performance in Wednesday's 2-1 overtime win against Pace (Oct. 14). The sophomore recorded two defensive saves, helping the Panthers withstand the Setters' offensive pressure and remain within striking distance before securing the comeback victory.
The Terrassa, Spain native followed with another strong defensive effort in Saturday's 3-2 overtime victory over Southern New Hampshire (Oct. 17), helping Adelphi secure its third consecutive win. Across the two contests, Alvarez Auguet helped anchor a Panther defensive unit that faced 33 total shots, including 22 on goal, and 32 penalty corners, while surrendering just three goals
Between the pipes, Szmak delivered a pair of impressive performances, totaling 15 saves across the two overtime victories while allowing just three goals in over 125 minutes of action.
The junior opened the week with eight saves against Pace, surrendering just one goal across 61:33 of action as the Panthers rallied for a 2-1 victory. Szmak followed with seven more saves against Southern New Hampshire, helping the Brown and Gold overcome another late deficit to secure a 3-2 overtime win.
Across the two contests, Szmak posted an .833 save percentage, playing every minute in goal as Adelphi extended its winning streak to three games.
Alvarez Auguet, Szmak and the Panthers return to action on Friday (Oct. 23), when they travel to Waltham, Mass., to take on Bentley University at 4 p.m.
For more updates on the Adelphi field hockey program, visit aupanthers.com and follow the team on Instagram (@adelphifh).
