Pia Rijsdijk Named SEC Soccer Freshman of the Week
10/24/2011 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Oct. 24, 2011
BIMRINGHAM, Ala. - Alabama freshman forward Pia Rijsdijk (Numansdorp, Netherlands) was named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week, the league office announced Monday. The award is a career first for the freshman.
Rijsdijk has been the catalyst for the Tide's push for Orange Beach. The newcomer from Netherlands propelled Alabama to its first victory over Tennessee since 1998 on the strength of the game-winner in the 14th minute. The win also marked the first time in school history that the Tide had beaten two ranked teams in the same season (1-0 vs. No. 22 San Diego State, Sept. 4).
Rijsdijk has gotten comfortable with her transition in the last month of the season as the freshman has scored all four of her goals and handed out three of her four assists since Sept. 18. Her four helpers are tied for the team lead and her 12 points rank second.
Alabama has been led by its underclassmen on the offensive third as the top five scorers for the Tide are either freshmen or sophomores. Three of the five are freshmen. The freshman of the week accolade is the second for UA this season as Laura Lee Smith earned the honor earlier in the season.
Alabama will close out its regular season slate when it hosts division rival Auburn. The two teams will meet on Friday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m., at the Alabama Soccer Stadium.
