BROOKLYN, N.Y. - LIU Brooklyn field hockey sophomore Molly Jannell was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season, it was announced by the league office this afternoon.

Janell helped propel LIU into its first-ever appearance in the MAAC Championship this weekend. The sophomore made 25 saves in net without giving up a single goal in regulation or double overtime, and registering a shutout win in a crucial MAAC game at Sacred Heart. Jannell, who tallied 185 minutes in goal over two games, had a huge performance in Friday night's game. In a must-win situation for the Blackbirds, Jannell made 13 saves to shut out Sacred Heart and allow LIU to win, 1-0, clinching the No. 2 seed in the postseason tournament. In Sunday's non-league contest against Davidson, Jannell nearly matched her total, making 12 saves and not giving up a goal in regulation or either overtime period. The game, decided in a penalty shootout, saw Jannell stop two of Davidson's shots before the Wildcats won the shootout, 3-2, and the game, 1-0. She finished the weekend with a 1.00 save percentage.

The No.2 seed Blackbirds take on No.3 seed Fairfield in the MAAC semifinals, Friday, November 3 at 11 a.m.