DENVER – New Mexico State women's soccer sophomore keeper Ashley Martin was named Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday the conference announced.
 
Martin guided the Aggies to a 1-0-1 start in WAC play last weekend. Despite the Aggies getting outshot 34-6 on Sunday, Martin single-handedly kept UMKC at bay as the sophomore stopped 11 shots. She first kept the Aggies (4-9-1, 1-0-1 WAC) in the hunt in the first quarter, tallying five saves, before stopping an impressive four shots in the first overtime period as the teams ended in a 1-1 draw.
 
Two days earlier, Martin held Chicago State scoreless in 45 minutes of action while making two saves en route to a 2-1 victory. The NM State starter wrapped up the weekend with 13 saves and a .929 saves percentage. Her 82 saves on the year ranks her 19th in the country and also leads the conference.
 
With her 11 saves on Sunday, Martin moved into second all-time in career-saves at NM State with 140. She surpassed Mikaela Bitner (133, 2009-13) over the weekend and is now two saves shy of becoming the all-time saves leader as a sophomore.
 
New Mexico State resumes WAC play this weekend at home with a pair of matches. First up for the Aggies will be the conference leading Redhawks of Seattle U at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14. NM State then entertains Utah Valley at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16. Friday's contest will serve as the PINK game for NM State.