ODAC Players of the Week: Nov. 2

The ODAC regular seasons came to a close and championship action began in earnest over the weekend as teams in field hockey, men's soccer, women's soccer and volleyball vie to earn the ODAC's automatic qualifier into their respective NCAA Division III tournaments.  Alyssa Derstine helped Eastern Mennonite field hockey finish its regular season on a postive note.  The Royals, which will enter the ODAC postseason in the semifinals on Tuesday as the tourney's No. 2 seed, ended their pre-tournament schedule with a 4-3 overtime win over St. Mary's (Md.).  Derstine fired in a pair of goals, including the game-winner in the second extra frame, to claim the victory.

In golf, Brian Creghan posted the Quakers’ low score at the Tom and Bettie O’Briant Memorial with a two-round 149 (+9).  He placed fourth among 90 individuals, tops among 32 ODAC contestants.  Creghan shot a three-over-par 73 in the first round and a six-over 76 in the second round, helping the Quakers to a third place team finish.

Hampden-Sydney got a big boost from sophomore Bryan Wharton in its 5-1 triumph over Roanoke.  Wharton tallied four times in the contest, slicing through one of the top defensive teams in the ODAC to help propel the Tigers to the No. 2 seed in the ODAC tournament.

Allie Espina was strong for the Washington and Lee women's soccer team.  The sophomore winger scored twice in the second half push the Generals past Bridgewater, 2-1.  She added a third tally in a 2-0 victory against Guilford in the ODAC quarterfinals.

In swimming, Washington and Lee's Elizabeth Starnes showed mid-season form in winning the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle events.  The sophomore swam at a 2:02.35 clip in the 200, and a posted a 5:31.81 time in the 500.  Both marks would have been in the Top-10 in the ODAC last season.

Emory & Henry's Rachel Fertitta picked up her second ODAC weekly honor of the season.  The sophomore middle hitter led the Wasps this week with 5.07 kills per game, a .353 hitting pct., 1.20 blocks per game, 0.8 digs per game and 6.23 points per game.

Listed below are each of this week's award winners.  Click each link to read more about that athlete's performances as well as an honor roll of ODAC standouts throughout the week.  For more information, visit the NEW Internet home of the ODAC at www.odaconline.com.

Field Hockey: Alyssa Derstine, Eastern Mennonite

Golf: Brian Creghan, Guilford

Football: Offense - Tyler Beiler, Bridgewater
Football: Defense - Richie Paul, Guilford

Men's Soccer: Bryan Wharton, Hampden-Sydney

Women's Soccer: Allie Espina, Washington and Lee

Swimming: Elizabeth Starnes, Washington and Lee

Volleyball: Rachel Fertitta, Emory & Henry