OXFORD, Ohio — Midway University women's soccer goalkeeper Lillian Klee has been named the River States Conference Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week, the conference announced Monday.

Klee earned the recognition following an outstanding performance in Midway's 1-1 draw against Brescia University on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Midway Turf Field.

The Eagles' goalkeeper recorded an impressive 17 saves, the most by a Midway women's soccer goalkeeper in a single match since 2017, while allowing just one goal on 18 shots on target across 90 minutes of action.

Klee was particularly strong in the opening half, recording eight saves to keep Brescia off the scoreboard. Her performance helped Midway carry a 1-0 advantage into halftime following Cate Burch's goal in the 40th minute.

The goalkeeper continued to stand tall in the second half, making nine additional saves as Brescia increased its offensive pressure.

Her biggest moment came with just seven minutes remaining in regulation, when Brescia was awarded a penalty kick with Midway still holding a 1-0 advantage. Klee rose to the occasion, turning away the penalty attempt to preserve the Eagles' one-goal lead.

Despite a late equalizer from the Bearcats in the 89th minute, Klee's performance helped the Eagles earn a conference point against a Brescia squad that entered the match unbeaten in River States Conference play.

Klee finished the contest with a .944 save percentage, stopping 17 of the 18 shots she faced on goal. Her historic save total and crucial penalty kick stop highlighted one of the strongest individual goalkeeping performances for the Eagles in recent program history.

The Eagles will conclude their regular season this week as they host WV Tech on Thursday for Senior day, then Rio Grande visits on halloween day. 

About Midway University Athletics

Midway University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and its 29 athletic teams are part of the River States Conference, Mid-South Conference, Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and USA Archery. For more information about Midway University Athletics, please visit www.gomidwayeagles.com or contact Tyler Beck at 859-846-5366.