WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – After leading a defensive unit that held two more opponents to under 10 goals, Monmouth University graduate student defender Mary Kate George was named the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Defensive Player of the Week. 
 
George becomes the second straight Hawk to earn defensive accolades from the CAA (Brianna Falco – Feb. 27) and third Monmouth player to claim a conference honor this season (Shea Berigan – Rookie of the Week, Feb. 13).
 
George contributed eight ground balls, five caused turnovers and a draw control in two Monmouth wins last week. George and the Hawks have now held four straight opponents under 10 goals for the first time since 2013. All four of those games have resulted in Monmouth victories. 
 
She started her week with a season-high four ground balls and two caused turnovers in a 13-7 road win at Wagner. 
 
George then followed that up with another four ground ball performance in the 13-9 win over Sacred Heart. The grad student also contributed a season-high three caused turnovers and a draw control in that win.
 
George has started all seven games on defense this season and ranks third on the team with 14 ground balls and tied for second with 13 caused turnovers.
 
George and the Hawks are back in action on Tuesday, Mar. 7 when they host #23 Johns Hopkins at 3 p.m.