Loye named Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week

NEW ORLEANS, La. - Middle Tennessee freshman Kate Loye garnered her first collegiate honor on Tuesday, when she was named the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week, as announced by the league office.

The Hamilton, New Zealand native played a pivotal role in Middle Tennessee's victories over FIU and Florida Atlantic last weekend. During the weekend, Loye tallied two goals and two assists for six points. The freshman scored an unassisted goal against the preseason favorite Panthers and notched an assist in Paige Goeglein's game-clinching goal.

Against the Owls, Loye once again scored an unassisted goal to start the match. She recorded the critical game-winning assist to Goeglein as the Blue Raiders defeated Florida Atlantic, 3-2, in double overtime.

In the past six matches, Loye has totaled a team-best six goals and three assists for 15 points. She joined the team late due to her participation with New Zealand in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

"Kate has made a positive impact on the team since her late arrival," said head coach Aston Rhoden. "She continues to work hard for the team and progress each match. She is truly deserving of this recognition."

Middle Tennessee (9-3, 4-0 Sun Belt) currently ranks No. 1 nationally in scoring offense, averaging 3.47 goals per game in their first 12 matches.

Loye becomes the third Blue Raider to garner a weekly accolade this season. Goeglein and Emily Hartshorn were named Sun Belt Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, on Sept. 4.

The MT Soccer program concludes a four-game road trip this weekend with a visit to ULM on Friday and Louisiana on Sunday.

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