It has been an impressive run for the UNI women’s soccer team. They have won four of their last five games to put their record at 5-4-1.

The Panthers are now sitting in second in the Missouri Valley Conference behind Drake, who is 7-1-1. UNI is currently second in the conference for shots per game with 15, they are first in total goals with 19 and first in goals per game at 1.90.

Since taking over for senior Whitney Blunt, sophomore goalie Maddie Lesjak has played strong enough to earn the MVC goalie of the week. The Panthers won both games last week against Kansas State and Western Illinois.

Lesjak had only allowed one goal between both of the games and saved nine shots. Fellow sophomore Brynell Yount also received recognition for her performance by being awarded the offensive player of the week in the conference.

In the game against Kansas State, Yount only had one shot in the game, but the Wildcats played strong defense, holding the Panthers to only nine shots total. Yount played against Western Illinois, scoring her first two goals of the season, with three shots total.

Yount is currently tied for third on the year in goals (2) and is sitting at fourth on the team in total shots (14).

Lesjak has had some crucial saves since she received more playing time at the goalie position. With a record of 3-1, she totals 11 saves and a goal average of 1.50.

The defense has been backing up Lesjak lately. They are also succeeding at getting the ball back to this elite Panther offense and away from their goalie.