Quincy University senior midfielder Ashley Burton and sophomore defender Allison Birke have been named Great Lakes Valley Conference Players of the Week in the sport of women's soccer, it was announced by the league office Monday.
Burton was tabbed GLVC Offensive Player of the Week, while Birke was selected Defensive Player of the Week.
Birke was the stabilizing piece in the QU defense and helped the Hawks to road shutouts against No. 13 Bellarmine and Southern Indiana last week. Birke moved to the back line from the central midfield a couple weeks ago and was the difference-maker in Quincy allowing just nine shots in two games. Against the Knights, the sophomore and the QU defense allowed only four shots, including just one on goal. She also had an assist in the game, sending in a free kick that Burton finished in the 79th minute. The Hawks controlled play against the Screaming Eagles, outshooting their hosts, 25-5. The Birke-led defense did not allow USI to possess in the final third as a majority of their five shots came from distance.
The O'Fallon, Mo., product earns her first career weekly honor and is Quincy's second defensive honoree this season as goalkeeper Megan Swanson was the 2015 campaign's first selection on September 7.