WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.- Monmouth University junior Kristina Vangeli (Hillsborough, N.J./Hillsborough) has been named Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the third time this season, league officials announced Monday.

"It is great to see Kristina get this award," said Monmouth Head Coach Denise Wescott. "She has worked hard to help us get the draw and is one of our best putting pressure on the ball."

Vangeli led a pair of solid efforts by the Monmouth defense, allowing an average of eight goals in two wins. The junior led the Hawks in caused turnovers, ground balls and draw controls in two pivotal wins. In Wednesday's win over Iona, Vangeli had three draw controls, two ground balls and a caused turnover as Monmouth held the Gaels to seven goals.

The Hillsborough native was integral as the Hawks earned their second consecutive MAAC semifinal bid, forcing three turnovers, collecting three ground balls and winning four draws in Monmouth's 14-9 win against Niagara on Saturday. Heading into the Friday's matchup with Fairfield, Vangeli leads the Hawks in caused turnovers and draw controls and is third in ground balls.

Monmouth's defense ranks second in the league in goals against average, allowing 8.16 goals per game, while leading the league in caused turnovers per game. Individually, Vangeli ranks fifth in draw controls and caused turnovers.

The Hawks, which are the third seed in the ongoing MAAC Tournament, will face Fairfield this Friday in Buffalo.