Lillard Picks Up a Pair of Weekly Awards

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — For a pair of shutout performances against ranked opponents, Miami Hurricanes goalkeeper Emily Lillard picked up a pair of prestigious awards this week.

On Monday, Lillard was one of three players recognized as an NCAA Top Performer. The Kansas native was also selected as a CollegeSoccer360.com Primetime Performer of the Week Wednesday.

The sophomore recorded five saves in the team’s scoreless draw against No. 24 Boston College Oct. 21 and another two in Miami’s 1-0 overtime win over seventh-ranked Maryland on Oct. 18. She was also credited with an assist on Jordan Roseboro‘s goal against the Terps, having taken the free kick that resulted in the gamewinner.

“Emily has had a solid season for us thus far and has been very good as of late,” head coach Tom Anagnost said. “Her success comes from not only her own excellent play, but from the 10 teammates in front of her.”

Lillard has not allowed a goal in the team’s past 318 minutes of play, a stretch that includes three ranked opponents and two double-overtime draws.

The Overland Park, Kan. native ranks second in the Atlantic Coast Conference in a number of categories, including saves (63), save percentage (.808), saves per game (4.20), and shutouts (eight). Her goals against average mark of 0.95 puts her sixth among all conference keepers.

“With continued hard work and discipline, I feel she could be one of the very best goalkeepers in the country,” Anagnost added.

Lillard joined Virginia forward Caroline Miller and Wake Forest midfielder Kristen Meier as Top Performers.

The Hurricanes wrap up their regular season against No. 2 Florida State Thursday at Cobb Stadium. Kickoff for the game is set for 7 p.m.