TALLAHASSEE, FL. – After a career week, Florida State senior defender Ran Iwai picked up her first career ACC Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday morning. Iwai is the first Seminole to win ACC Defensive Player of the Week since Emily Madril on Sept. 28, 2021. Iwai had a career week for the Seminoles while also being a staple on FSU’s backline that completed two shutouts against Louisville and Boston College. Against the Cardinals, Iwai picked up her third assist of the season as she sent a ball to Kaitlyn Zipay who sent a beautiful ball into the box for Maria Alagoa who put it away to seal the win for the second-ranked Seminoles.
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Against Boston College, Iwai had a career-high two assists as she assisted on goals from Zipay and Peyton Nourse. Coming into the week, Iwai had just four total career assists.Iwai has also been key in the Seminoles’ defense that has found its stride the past two weeks. In their last three games, FSU has not given up a goal and has allowed just seven total shots including a terrific performance against Miami where they didn’t allow a shot for the first time since 2019. Iwai has started all 11 games for the Seminoles and has recorded 70 or more minutes in seven games this season. FSU will be back in action on Thursday when they take on No. 11 Notre Dame at the Seminole Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and can be seen live on ACC Network.
Tim Hofmann Florida State University contributed to this column
