Athletics

Marks named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week

Penn State men's soccer redshirt senior Dani Marks was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week as announced by the conference office Tuesday.

Marks started both matches on the backline for the Nittany Lions last week, helping anchor the defense to post back-to-back shutouts and the third consecutive shutout for the first time since the 2014 season. Marks and the defense only allowed two shots on net between both opponents (Stony Brook and Wisconsin).

The Ra'anana, Israel, native also recorded the game-winning assist on Jeremy Rafanello's goal in the 80th minute against Wisconsin for his first assist of the season and the second in his career.

The honor marks the first Big Ten weekly award of Marks' career and the third of the season for Penn State men's soccer. Redshirt senior Ryan Gallagher (Sept. 25) and redshirt sophomore Josh Levine (Oct. 9) have also both garnered Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors this season.

It is the first time since the 2016 season that Penn State men's soccer has earned back-to-back Big Ten weekly awards when they did on two occurrences that year.

Last Updated October 19, 2018