Published October 02. 2024 12:45PM
For the second time this season, Pleasant Valley graduate Samantha Merklin has been named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division Defensive Athlete of the Week for the Bloomsburg women’s soccer team.
Merklin was a key defensive cog in the Huskies 2-1 upset victory over No. 13 Kutztown on Wednesday. The junior finished the game with five saves, two of which came with the Golden Bears in front of net. The victory over Kutztown was the first ranked win for Bloomsburg since defeating the Golden Bears on Sept. 14, 2022.
The junior goalkeeper has been integral to the team’s success in 2024, fueling a three-game winning streak for Bloomsburg women’s soccer.
Merklin currently boasts the best save percentage among East goalkeepers at .871 and is tied for the best goals against average (.571) and shutouts (3). Additionally, the goalie has four games this season with at least five saves.