Three Pioneer women’s soccer players honored by WAC

Three Denver women’s soccer players tabbed Western Athletic Conference weekly honors this season. Junior forward Kristen Hamilton and sophomore defender Sam Harder were named WAC offensive and defensive players of the week, respectively on Sept. 10 and Nicholette DiGiacomo was named the offensive player of the week on Monday.

Hamilton led the Pioneers with two goals and two assists in Denver’s 4-1 win over Colorado and 4-0 shutout over UC Irvine on Sept. 7. In addition to this honor, Hamilton was named the WAC player of the week by College Sports Madness.

“Kristen was a huge part of [our success], scoring two goals and two assists. Her runs off the ball were the key to her success this weekend,” said head coach Jeff Hooker.

Harder led the Pioneer defense that held previously-unbeaten CU to one goal and shut out UC Irvine and also scored the opening goal of the weekend on a 28-yard free kick.

“Sam kept the back four very organized in both games,” said Hooker. “She also had a huge impact on Friday’s match, scoring the first goal against our rival Colorado.”

DiGiacomo picked up an assist and the game winning goal in Friday’s game against Kansas and a 28-yard free kick in the team’s tie against Texas on Sunday.

“I thought that Nicholette played very well throughout the course of a tough weekend on the road for us,” said Hooker. “Both opponents had very talented players in the midfield, but we found a way to keep the ball and get our chances, something Nicholette had a lot to do with.”

DiGiacomo was also named the WAC Player of the Week by College Sports Madness.