Oct. 1, 2013
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Laura Gebhart (Mount Joy, Pa.) was awarded the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday afternoon for the first time in her career. The junior played a pivotal role in the Nittany Lions' weekend victories, leading the squad in victories over Miami (Ohio) and Indiana.
The Donegal High product anchored the Blue and White midfield and broke up attacks before they could reach the circle in both matches over the weekend. Gebhart was one of the main reasons the Nittany Lions allowed only one goal between the two contests.
The junior also excelled on the offensive side of the field. Gebhart picked up her ninth assist of the season in the win over Indiana in the Big Ten opener. The Mount Joy native leads the conference in assists on the season.
Gebhart is no stranger to awards, as the midfielder is a two-time first team All-Big Ten selection, the 2011 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and a 2012 second team NFHCA All-American. With Gebhart claiming the accolade, Penn State has now received the award for three consecutive weeks, with Brittany Grzywacz (Collegeville, Pa.) earning the previous two.
Gebhart and the Nittany Lions will be back in action this weekend, as Penn State hosts Big Ten rival Northwestern on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex.