The United Athletic Conference announced that sophomore goalkeeper Bella Medrano and junior captain Gracie Kelly have been named its Defensive Player of the Week for the recent stretch of matches.
Medrano’s presence between the posts was pivotal, as she turned away eight shots from a potent Houston attack and posted a 0.41 goals‑against average while maintaining a .923 save percentage. Her two shutouts contributed to a defensive record that has yielded only two goals in five games.
Kelly, who has logged over 3,600 minutes across 42 appearances, anchored the back line for the full 90 minutes in each contest and even registered her first career point with an assist. Her consistency has helped the team keep a 0.4 goals‑against average and three consecutive clean sheets.
Head coach Stephen Salas praised the pair, highlighting their grit, leadership and ability to contribute offensively as well as defensively. “They’ve shown what it means to fight for every ball,” Salas said.
Defensive Dominance Fuels Early Season Momentum
The accolades come as the program looks ahead to its next test against Tulsa, a matchup that will put the current defensive rhythm to the test. With the season still young, the early chemistry between Medrano and Kelly could prove decisive.
Beyond the statistics, the recognition underscores the broader impact of the players on the team’s culture. Their work ethic sets a standard for younger teammates and reinforces the program’s ambition to compete at the top of the conference.