Oct. 24, 2005

EVANSTON, Ill.-- Northwestern goalkeeper Whitney Jones (Jr., Glen Ellyn, Ill/Glenbard West) has been named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for her outstanding play in goal over the weekend. The honor is the first for Jones in her career and the second for the 'Cats this season.

Jones recorded nine saves over the weekend, including five in the dramatic double-overtime win against Ohio State Friday. She made several key defensive stops on the afternoon to keep the 'Cats in the game and stay in the hunt for a Big Ten Tournament spot.

Jones was equally impressive Sunday afternoon, holding Loyola to one goal and recording four saves in the 1-0 defeat.

The junior history major has four shutouts on the season and 14 in her career, ranking her second on NU's all-time list. She currently ranks fourth in the Big Ten with 75 saves and is fifth with four shutouts. She has allowed one or fewer goals on 10 different occasions this year.

Jones and the Wildcats return to action at 3 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 28 at home against the Wisconsin Badgers in the regular season finale with a Big Ten Tournament berth on the line.