Kansas junior midfielder London De Fini was crowned the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week for the first time this season, a testament to her growing influence on both ends of the field.
A Record‑Setting Victory
The Jayhawks exploded for seven goals in a 7‑0 win over Missouri State on August 16, a performance that not only showcased De Fini’s offensive firepower — four goals and three assists — but also set new program benchmarks for goals scored in a Division I match and on the road.
Defensive Mastery and Program Records
Beyond the offensive explosion, De Fini’s defensive contributions were equally striking. She helped limit Missouri State to a single shot on goal, tying a Kansas record for the fewest shots allowed in a game and underscoring the team’s early‑season discipline.
Back‑to‑Back Shutouts
The shutout against Missouri State followed another clean sheet earlier in the week, marking the first time since 2020 that Kansas has opened a season with consecutive shutouts, a milestone that highlights the squad’s defensive cohesion.
Looking Ahead to Ohio State
The momentum carries forward as Kansas prepares to face Ohio State on August 20 in Columbus, Ohio. The matchup, scheduled to start at 4 p.m. CT, will test the Jayhawks against a formidable opponent and serve as a key early‑season gauge.
De Fini, a native of Gretna, Nebraska, remains focused on building on this early success, aiming to translate her dual-threat capabilities into continued growth for the team.