WALTHAM, Mass. -- Brandeis University sophomore Penny Alston of New York, New York, and junior Abby Kenkelen of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have been selected as the University Athletic Association Women's Soccer Defensive and Offensive Players of the Week for the week ending November 9. 

Alston, a goalkeeper, backstopped the Judges to a 1-0 victory over New York University in the team's season finale. She made five saves, four of which came after Brandeis took their lead. The five stops were one shy of a career-high and marked Alston's third career shutout, and first in UAA play.

Kenkelen, a midfielder, scored the game-winning goal in the 24th minute. She took advantage of a poor clearing attempt by the Violets after a corner kick to convert her third goal of the season. The goal was her first since scoring twice in the season opener. It was the fourth goal of Kenkelen's career and proved to be her first career game-winner. 

The Judges were ranked as high as #8 in Division III this season after going 7-1-3 in their first 11 contests. They ended their regular season with an 8-5-4 record, just missing out on the NCAA Division III tournament. Nine of their 17 opponents reached the postseason, with the Judges earning two wins and two draws against those foes. 

Alston is a 2024 graduate of East Side Community High School. Kenkelen is a 2023 graduate of Springside Chestnut Hill High School. For more information on Brandeis women's soccer, visit their web page at https://brandeisjudges.com/sports/womens-soccer. 

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