Grace’s Martim Cardoso (19) earned Crossroads League Player of the Week as well as the NCCAA Player of the Week. Photo courtesy the Grace College Sports Information Department

By Josh Neuhart
Grace College Sports Information

WINONA LAKE – Two members of Grace’s men’s soccer team picked up weekly honors after the first week of the season. Grace added Gina Novotny to the awards carousel with another CL award.

Martim Cardoso was named the NCCAA National Player of the Week and the Crossroads League Offensive Player of the Week. Matteo Conci was the Crossroads League Defensive Player of the Week.

The Lancers began the season with a perfect 2-0 record, beating Trinity International 3-0 and Lawrence Tech 3-1.

Cardoso was an offensive machine, scoring two goals in each game. The Lancers trailed Lawrence Tech 1-0 in the second half before Cardoso scored back-to-back goals, lifting Grace to the eventual 3-1 comeback win.

Conci played every minute in goal, recording nine saves. He made six saves against Lawrence Tech.

The Lancers are receiving votes in the NAIA preseason poll. Grace will test itself over the next two weeks with three ranked matchups. Next up will be a trip to No. 7 St. Thomas (Fla.) on Thursday.

Gina Novotny of Grace’s volleyball team was named the Crossroads League Defender of the Week on Monday.

Novotny made history for Grace when she recorded the 2,000th dig of her career. She is just the third player in team history to reach that milestone.

She averaged 5.8 digs per set over four weekend contests for the Lady Lancers. The senior finished the season-opening tournament with 93 digs, 14 assists and 5 aces.

The Lady Lancers went 3-1 at the Warner tournament in Florida. Next up, Grace will begin Crossroads League play on Sept. 1. The Lady Lancers will host Taylor at 7 p.m. in the season opener.