CENTER VALLEY, Pa. - Co-captain Caitlin Balmer of the Lafayette Women's Soccer team was selected as the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced on Monday afternoon.

The junior defender played a key role on both ends of the field in the Leopards 2-0 win over rival Lehigh on Saturday on Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium.

Defensively, Balmer anchored the backline from her center back position and help Lafayette record their fifth shutout of the season. In the 39th minute, she was on the receiving end of a free kick from freshman Sandra Afredsdottir which she headed past the Mountain Hawks goalkeeper for what proved to be the game-winning goal.  It was the first goal of the season and second of her career for the Sherborn, Mass. native.

Balmer, who has participated in all 980 minutes this season, becomes the fourth Lafayette player to be recognized with weekly honors this month, joining Krista Kissell, Sophie Saldivar and Rebecca Schreiner.

The Leopards are now 5-4-1 on the campaign and 1-1 in the Patriot League as the prepare to travel to Navy on Wednesday to face the first place Mids at 7 p.m.