Pia Rijsdijk Garners More Accolades
10/25/2011 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Oct. 25, 2011
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama freshman forward Pia Rijsdijk continues to bring in the accolades as she was named a collegesoccer360.com "Primetime Performer" for week 10 of the season. The honor comes on the heels of being named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week.
Selection for the Division I women's CS360 weekly award is based on any/all of the following "primetime" criteria (i.e. not solely based on raw stats).
The athlete must have been playing in a game involving a top-50 team from the CS360 Composite National Rankings (or in a game involving a preseason conference favorite/leader), or performed at a high level in a game that is key to the team's postseason qualification/participation.
In general, preference is given based on the quality of the opponent and situational factors involved in the player's accomplishments. The player must exhibit strong leadership and/or involved in clutch performances, such as game-winning goals, noteworthy comebacks, late scores, momentum-shifting play, all-around performance, team spirit, etc.
They must also overcome adversity or extreme circumstances (for the team and/or individual). Bonus consideration is given for key performances away from team's home field and/or against a traditional rival.
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 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.
