St. Mary’s College of Maryland senior Cicely Clark (Ellicott City, Md./Centennial) was honored as the United East Conference (UEC) Defensive Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday, October 21. This marks Clark’s first career weekly award, making her the fourth Seahawk player to earn the accolade this season.
Clark’s recognition comes after a stellar performance during a week in which the Seahawks achieved two shutout results. On October 16, St. Mary’s College cruised to a dominant 7-0 victory over Notre Dame of Maryland University, followed by a hard-fought 0-0 draw against regionally ranked Penn State Harrisburg on October 19.
Clark, a versatile 5-foot-6 defender and midfielder, was instrumental in the Seahawks’ defensive success. In the blowout against Notre Dame (Md.), Clark contributed a career-best three assists while playing a key role in limiting the Gators to no shots and a single corner kick throughout the match. Her contributions in defense and midfield control were pivotal in ensuring that St. Mary’s College shut down their opponents’ attacking opportunities.
In the scoreless draw against Penn State Harrisburg, Clark’s defensive efforts were again on full display. She helped anchor a solid backline that held the Nittany Lions, who are regionally ranked, to nine shots, including four on target, and six corner kicks. Her presence was vital in neutralizing the Penn State Harrisburg offense, ensuring the Seahawks secured a valuable point from the match.
Clark’s leadership and consistent play have earned her recognition as one of the top defenders in the United East Conference. Currently, she is tied for 10th place in the UEC standings with four assists this season, showcasing her dual ability to contribute on both ends of the field.
With this honor, Clark becomes the latest Seahawk to be named Defensive Player of the Week, joining a distinguished group of her teammates who have received the same recognition this season. St. Mary’s College has seen a strong defensive showing all year, with three other players—Brooke Hall, Ashlyn Bonner, and Kyleigh Bland—earning Defensive Player of the Week awards earlier in the season.
St. Mary’s College women’s soccer team, currently boasting a 13-1-3 overall record and a 5-0-1 mark in conference play, will look to maintain their momentum as they prepare to face Rosemont College on Tuesday, October 22. The conference matchup, set for 5 p.m. at the Jamie L. Roberts Stadium, will also serve as a special Vs. Cancer awareness game.
Clark and her teammates are focused on continuing their impressive form as they look to solidify their standing at the top of the United East Conference. With the Seahawks currently riding high on a series of dominant defensive performances, the team is poised to be a strong contender in the postseason.
2024 United East Conference Defensive Players of the Week:
- Sept. 2 – Brooke Hall, St. Mary’s College, Fy., D
- Sept. 9 – Ashlyn Bonner, St. Mary’s College, Jr., D
- Sept. 16 – Kylie Yap, Penn State Harrisburg, So., D
- Sept. 23 – Emily Fearon, Saint Elizabeth, So., D
- Sept. 30 – Ashlyn Bonner, St. Mary’s College, Jr., D
- Oct. 7 – Kyleigh Bland, St. Mary’s College, Fy., GK
- Oct. 14 – Katie Brown, Penn State Harrisburg, Jr., D
- Oct. 21 – Cicely Clark, St. Mary’s College, Sr., D
