SEWARD, Neb. – Concordia University, Nebraska Women’s Soccer swept the conference’s weekly awards after defeating Dordt (1-0) in the tournament semifinals. Taylor Slaymaker was named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Defensive Player of the Week and Kierstynn Garner grabbed her third GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Offensive Player of the Week (2024) on Tuesday (Nov. 12). Goalkeeper Angela Banks also was selected as an award winner from the week prior (Nov. 5).
The Kearney, Neb., natives teamed up to help push the Dawgs to their first conference final since 2020. Veteran Slaymaker, in her 50th career start, played a massive role in the semifinal shutout over the GPAC’s top scoring Dordt. The senior centerback played all 90 minutes and led the back line to nullify the NAIA’s top goal scorer without a point. She helped limit the Defenders to three shots on goal and will play in her 60th career game in the upcoming bout versus Hastings. The defense has rolled together six straight clean sheets.
Garner, a junior forward, cracked the game winning goal (18th career) past the Dordt keeper sealing the 10th win in a row. With the score, Garner put her 21st in the back of the net and the 48th of her career. She is second in the conference in goals, assists (12) and points (54).
The No. 2 seed Bulldogs will clash with No. 1 seed Hastings for the GPAC tournament championship tonight (Nov. 12) at Lloyd Wison Field. The game is set for 7 p.m. CT.