Priest Earns Pac-12 Defender of the Week

BOULDER — Colorado freshman Ava Priest picked up her first career Defensive Player of the Week honor as announced by the Pac-12 Conference on Monday.

The Boulder, Colo., native, was shifted to the Colorado backline this past week and helped the Buffaloes extend their winning streak to six games with wins at New Mexico and against Colgate. Priest, who had been playing on the Colorado attack, was shifted to the backline for the first time this season.

Priest totaled three points last week, picking up a goal and an assist. She currently has a three-match point streak, recording four points in CU's last three contests.

She became the youngest player in CU history to score a goal on Thursday when she put away her free-kick on CU's first shot of the night at New Mexico. Her early goal held on for the game-winner in CU's 2-0 win.

Priest picked up an assist on CU's game-winning goal against Colgate on Sunday. Her flip throw led to Juliauna Hayward finding the net in the 57th minute and Priest almost added to the score, finding the woodwork late in the 89th minute.

This is the second weekly honor for the Buffs this year. Jordan Nytes was the Goalkeeper of the Week back on Aug. 28. It is the 31st honor for the team since joining the Pac-12.

Priest is the first CU freshman to earn a Player of the Week honor since Shyra James was the Offensive Player of the Week on Mar. 23, 2021. She is also CU's first Defender of the Week since Hannah Sharts took home the honor on Feb. 15, 2021.

CU hits the road for the short trip to Denver this week. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. MT.

Players Mentioned

Juliauna Hayward

Shyra James

Jordan Nytes

Ava Priest

Hannah Sharts

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