Cohen, Nurkin Garner Ivy League Player of the Week Honors

Photo by: Columbia University Athletics / Stockton Photo, Inc.

Cohen, Nurkin Garner Ivy League Player of the Week Honors

9/18/2023 2:30:00 PM | Women's Soccer

The duo earns league recognition after a 2-0 week

By: Garret Sulak

NEW YORK – Following a 2-0 week for the Columbia women's soccer team, senior forward Shira Cohen was named the Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week and senior goalkeeper Paige Nurkin was named the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week.

"I like when our players get recognized because it means the team is having success," women's soccer head coach Tracey Bartholomew said. "We have been preaching team defense and team attach all season and I am so proud that we have been able to get recognition for outstanding performances."

Cohen played a critical role in the team's 1-0 win on the road at regionally ranked No. 5 Providence on Saturday. Cohen helped lead the offensive attack with two shots on goal in the contest. She converted one for the game-winning goal in the 60^th minute on an assist from fellow senior forward Nata Ramirez.

Cohen also scored a goal in the Lions' 5-0 win over NJIT last Tuesday. She scored the second goal of the game in the 43^rd minute. Cohen added an assist in the second half of that game to help set up the scoring opportunity for Spencer Robbins.

Nurkin tallied a season-high eight saves in the 1-0 win at Providence Saturday to record the team's fifth-straight shutout. She had two saves as she played the first half of the team's 5-0 win vs. NJIT Tuesday.

In the most updated NCAA women's soccer stats, Nurkin ranks fourth in the nation in goals against average with a .167 average through seven games. As a team, the Lions lead the nation in goals against average at .125 through eight games. Old Dominion is tied with Columbia in first place in goals against average.

With the win at Providence, the 6-1-1 overall Lions recorded their fifth-straight shutout. Columbia last recorded five-straight shutouts in 2016. The 2016 team proceeded to post a program record seven-straight shutouts. The only other time Columbia has earned five consecutive shutouts was 2004.

The Lions return home to start Ivy League play next Saturday. Columbia will host Penn for a 6 p.m. kickoff at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium.

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