Calder Chosen NWC Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Braydon Calder (Jr., GK, Philomath, OR/Philomath HS) of Willamette University has been named Northwest Conference Men's Soccer Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts in a pair of wins on Saturday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26. It is the third time this season that Calder has been chosen for NWC Student-Athlete of the Week honors.

Calder recorded two complete-game victories over the weekend, while earning a total of 11 saves. He recorded eight saves in Willamette's 3-2 win at Pacific Lutheran University on Saturday and contributed three saves in a 1-0 win at University of Puget Sound on Sunday

The Bearcats and the Loggers were tied for first place in the NWC prior to their head-to-head meeting. Willamette moved into sole possession of first place in the NWC standings at 9-1-1 (28 points), with a two-point lead over Whitworth University (8-1-2, 26 points) and a three-point lead over Puget Sound (8-2-1, 25 points).

Willamette is 12-4-1 on the season. The Bearcats are ranked ninth in the latest West Region rankings released by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

For the season, Calder has a 0.94 goals against average and a 9-4-1 record. He has registered 58 saves.

The Bearcats will play two NWC games this weekend at Sparks Field. On Saturday, Nov. 1, Willamette will take on Whitworth at 1:30 p.m. (PDT). The Pirates are 13-1-2 overall and are ranked #22 nationally in NCAA Division III and are #3 in the West Region. On Sunday, Nov. 2, the Bearcats will host Whitman College at 1:30 p.m.