Michigan State Women’s Soccer took center stage this week as the Spartans climbed back into the rankings at No. 16, while two players earned individual Big Ten honors.
“It’s always good to be in the national spotlight,” head coach Jeff Hosler said in a media availability on Thursday. “It’s good to be ranked because you’re a part of that conversation.”
Redshirt junior midfielder Emerson Sargeant was named Offensive Player of the Week and also earned an honorable mention in the Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Week, while freshman goalkeeper Noelle Henning was named Freshman of the Week.
Sargeant scored her first goal of the season against Minnesota, then quickly followed it up with her second and third against Wisconsin. After her previous season ended early due to injury, she is one goal off of her career high, when she netted four times in her sophomore year.
Sargeant’s first goal of the season, scored against Minnesota, helped her settle in and gain the confidence to play more freely in the following match against Wisconsin, according to head coach Jeff Hosler.
“I know Emmy had a little bit of a drought, but now she’s on it,” senior defender Sofia Beerworth added. “She’s scoring, she’s getting all these awards, so I’m super happy for her.”
Freshman goalkeeper Noelle Henning earned the title of Big Ten Freshman of the Week after keeping a clean sheet against the No. 20-ranked Wisconsin and stopping seven of the eight shots she faced during the week. Her 0.889 save percentage ranks second in the Big Ten.
“It was pretty cool. I received the news when I was just in the locker room before training and I was super proud,” Henning said. “I was super happy for the team, because we had two big performances and I thought I came up pretty big in those games, so I’m really happy about that.”
Since winning the job as starting goalkeeper, Henning has been solid for the Spartans, making 29 saves and recording three shutouts so far during the season. “To shut out Wisconsin – that’s impressive.” Hosler said, “To give up only one goal in the week to highly skilled attacking teams is great.”
“I feel like it definitely boosts Noelle’s morale to get that award she deserves.” Beerworth said.
