The Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) and the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) announced their weekly awards Monday afternoon and Samantha Golchuk has been named the offensive player of the week. This is the first time Golchuk has received this weekly honor from the WHAC and her second time this season being recognized by the NCCAA. Golchuk is joined by her teammate Anna Roman who was named the NCCAA Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week on August 26th.
Golchuk's performance in Concordia's conference opener against Cornerstone University led to the junior receiving these weekly honors. On her way to her first career hat trick, Golchuk was able to lead the Cards to a 3-2 overtime victory over the Golden Eagles.
Golchuk's first goal came off of a corner kick from Kendra Lewis. Golchuk made a run near the far post and headed the ball towards the keeper who was able to save the attempt. The ball popped back up towards Golchuk who headed it back in to open up the game.
For her second goal, Golchuk stole the ball from the opposing center back near midfield and raced 45 yards to sneak the ball past the outstretched arms of the charging Cornerstone keeper.
Cornerstone found a way to even things up by full time, but Golchuk earned her first collegiate hat trick with the game winning golden goal just a minute into extra time. Golchuk took a ball that was dumped behind the back line and dribbled past the keeper, who came out of the box, and buried it in the back of the net to win the match.
The Cardinals will look to stay unbeaten in conference play as they travel to Madonna for a match on Wednesday, October 2nd.
