Rachel Welch Earns America East Goalkeeper of the Week Award for Shutout Performance
9/14/2026 10:41:00 AM | Women's Soccer
BOSTON – Following a week where the UMass Lowell women's soccer team (3-4-1) logged two straight shutout victories, junior Rachel Welch (Franklin, Mass.) earns the nod for the America East Goalkeeper of the Week, the league office announced Monday.
"I'm glad Rachel is getting recognized for her first shutout of the season," said Head Coach Mira Novak. "She had two outstanding saves that game, earning her the accolade, and I hope there's more to come. She's been getting better throughout the season, and I feel great about our whole goalkeeping unit going into conference play."
Welch guided the River Hawks to their first shutout of the season at Stonehill, making four saves on 11 shots faced. Early in the second half, she made two highlight-reel saves to maintain the lead and keep the Skyhawks off the board.
The America East Goalkeeper of the Week award is new this season, and Welch becomes the first River Hawk to secure the honor.
Previously, goalkeepers were eligible for the America East Defensive Player of the Week. She's the second UMass Lowell goalkeeper to win a conference weekly award, with Taylor Burgess winning the Defensive Player of the Week four times.
So far this season, Welch has made 36 saves in five matches played, allowing 1.8 goals against average. Heading into Sunday's matches, she was ranked eighth in the nation and first in the America East with 7.2 saves per match.
Welch and the River Hawks open America East play on Sunday, September 20 at Binghamton. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in Vestal, N.Y.
"I'm glad Rachel is getting recognized for her first shutout of the season," said Head Coach Mira Novak. "She had two outstanding saves that game, earning her the accolade, and I hope there's more to come. She's been getting better throughout the season, and I feel great about our whole goalkeeping unit going into conference play."
Welch guided the River Hawks to their first shutout of the season at Stonehill, making four saves on 11 shots faced. Early in the second half, she made two highlight-reel saves to maintain the lead and keep the Skyhawks off the board.
The America East Goalkeeper of the Week award is new this season, and Welch becomes the first River Hawk to secure the honor.
Previously, goalkeepers were eligible for the America East Defensive Player of the Week. She's the second UMass Lowell goalkeeper to win a conference weekly award, with Taylor Burgess winning the Defensive Player of the Week four times.
So far this season, Welch has made 36 saves in five matches played, allowing 1.8 goals against average. Heading into Sunday's matches, she was ranked eighth in the nation and first in the America East with 7.2 saves per match.
Welch and the River Hawks open America East play on Sunday, September 20 at Binghamton. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in Vestal, N.Y.
Players Mentioned
GK
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's SoccerSunday, September 13
Sunday, September 13
Monday, August 24
Monday, August 24
