FREELAND, Mich. -- Trine's Kristina Veljovic has been named the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association's Defensive Player of the Week, the conference announced Monday.
Veljovic (Valparaiso, Ind. / Valparaiso) earned back-to-back shutouts in helping the Thunder to a 2-1 record in MIAA action last week. The junior totaled five saves in a 2-0 victory over Saint Mary's for her first clean sheet of the week, which she followed up with an 10-save effort in a 1-0 victory at Albion. Veljovic also notched a career-high 18 saves and played an instrumental role in keeping Trine within striking distance in a 2-1 loss at Hope. Veljovic is being honored as Defensive Player of the Week for the second time in her career.
Veljovic holds an active scoreless streak of 262:28 dating back to her last goal allowed in the first half at Hope. That streak is a career-high. Veljovic has notched back-to-back shutouts twice this season. Her four shutouts are tied for the most in a season by a Thunder keeper since Trine joined the MIAA in 2004.
This season, Veljovic's performances have her ranked among the nation's best in several statistical categories. Her 70 saves rank 10th in the country, with a rate of 10 saves per match that ranks 22nd nationally. Veljovic also leads the MIAA and ranks 88th in the nation with an .864 save percentage.
Trine will look to extend its winning-streak to three tomorrow when the team travels to Olivet. Kickoff of the MIAA contest is scheduled for 4 p.m.