April 27, 2021
East Central Community College's Olivia Clark (Decatur) has been named Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference Goalie of the Week after her stellar performance against the No. 2 ranked Holmes Community College Lady Bulldogs last Friday, April 23.
Clark, a graduate of Newton County High School, posted eight saves in a 0-0 draw that saw two overtime periods. The athletic keeper had several big stops throughout the contest but showed her tenacity and grit late in the match as she led the defense to numerous stops on several dangerous Holmes' corner kicks.
"Olivia was stellar against Holmes and came up with several massive saves to preserve a shutout against a top opponent," said Ryan Joiner, ECCC's head women's soccer coach. "Her ability to keep us organized as a team and to help us defend as a unit definitely contributed to the draw Friday. She's worked tirelessly to improve and, as our only goalkeeper on the roster, has been brilliant in training and matches so far."
The honor comes on the heels of fellow freshman teammate, Sasha Clare's, Player of the Week honors from a week ago, and shows that the Lady Warriors are finding their rhythm midway through the season.
"The tougher the game, the greater the reward," said Clark. "I know that my team will always have my back, and getting a result like we had against Holmes is proof that all of our hard work is paying off this season, and that hard work doesn't stop here with this honor."
The Lady Warriors defeated the Hinds Eagles last night in yet another shutout performance from Clark, 1-0. The win moves the Lady Warriors to 6-0-2 on the season. ECCC is back on the road on Thursday, April 29 as the team travels to Senatobia to take on the Northwest Lady Rangers at 1 p.m. Fans can watch that match live at nwccrangers.com/watch.
