Donnelly Named a National Primetime Performer of the Week

RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University women’s soccer team garnered some national recognition this week as freshman forward Nicole Donnelly was named a Primetime Performer of the Week by the website CollegeSoccer360.com.

Donnelly scored three goals this weekend, including two game-winners, to lift the EKU women’s soccer team past the 2009 OVC Tournament champion, Murray State, and the 2009 OVC regular season champion, UT Martin.

Donnelly is one of 11 players (and five forwards) named to the national lineup. She is joined on the team by forwards Morgan Marlborough (Nebraska), Melissa Henderson (Notre Dame), Christen Press (Stanford) and Rachel Nuzzolese (Wake Forest); midfielders Kristen Mewis (Boston College), Maegan Kelly (Marquette) and Katie Dorman (UTEP); defender Lauren Barnes (UCLA); and goalkeepers Annie Brunner (Colorado) and Lara Campbell (Denver).

Donnelly scored in the 78th minute to lead the Colonels to their first-ever win over preseason OVC favorite Murray State, 1-0, on Friday. She then scored a pair of goals, including the game-winner off a rebound in double-overtime, to lift EKU over UT Martin, 2-1, on Sunday.

The Cincinnati native has led the surging Colonels to four straight wins and a 2-0-0 start to OVC play. She has scored five of EKU’s last six goals and has delivered game-winners in three of EKU’s last four games.

The EKU soccer team returns to conference action this weekend when the Colonels host Tennessee Tech on Sunday, Oct. 3, at 1:00 p.m. at EKU Soccer Field.