SPRINGFIELD – Picking up the first defensive honor of her career, Missouri State soccer standout Brooke Zimmerman was named the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week, announced by the league Monday.
 
Transitioning into a solid defensive piece for the Bears, Zimmerman put in a full 90 minutes of defense against Illinois State. She helped limit the Redbirds – who lead the league in shots – to just five shots on goal and 12 overall. Zimmerman had several key takeaways on the back line, halting several Illinois State drives.
 
Zimmerman has logged 5712 minutes and has started 67 of 69 matches over the course of her career at Missouri State. Primarily a forward, Zimmerman transitioned to her defensive role towards the beginning of the Bears' conference schedule and has been a consistent leader for the back line ever since.
 
The Bears are set to host the 2017 MVC Championship this weekend, beginning with a 6 p.m. semifinal match against Loyola on Friday, Nov. 3. For all the latest information on the Missouri State women's soccer team, visit missouristatebears.com or follow @MSUBearsWSoccer on Twitter.
 
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