GLIAC -- The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced its weekly awards following Week 4 of the 2025 women's soccer season. Parkside sophomore forward Ava Rizzitano was recognized as GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week while Grand Valley State senior defender Mackenzie Ford was awarded GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Ava Rizzitano, Parkside
Parkside women's soccer sophomore forward Ava Rizzitano has been named GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week for the first time in her career after a dominant two-match stretch for the Rangers. Rizzitano totaled five points over the weekend, scoring twice and adding an assist. On Friday against Saginaw Valley State, she set up Emily Mikkelson for the game-tying goal before burying the game-winner with just two seconds left in regulation. She followed that performance by scoring the opening goal in Saturday's win over Purdue Northwest. The Kenosha native put six of her seven shots on target across the two matches, helping Parkside extend its unbeaten streak in conference play.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Mackenzie Ford, Grand Valley State
Senior defender Mackenzie Ford has been named the GLIAC defensive player of the week for the first time this season. Ford scored the game winning goal in the 4-0 win over Northern Michigan last Friday. She played a key role defensively in helping the Lakers to a pair of 4-0 shutout victories against Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech. GVSU held Northern Michigan to just two shots with zero on target. On Sunday, Ford appeared in all 90 minutes against Michigan Tech as GVSU only allowed three shots with one on target in the 4-0 win.
HONORABLE MENTION
Offense: Addison Frantti (Northern Michigan), Emily Kolodin (Saginaw Valley State), Kacy Lauer (Grand Valley State), Grace Sampson (Ferris State), Josie Wilcox (Davenport)
Defense: Tristen Cross (Parkside), Korinne Ihrke (Ferris State), Irene Kiilunen (Northern Michigan), Elizabeth Wolter (Davenport)
