Ascenzo Wins Defensive Player of the Week

LA CROSSE, Wis. – Viterbo University Men's Soccer goalkeeper Ernesto Ascenzo has been selected as the first Defensive Player of the Week by the Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) of the 2022 season, the league announced on Monday.

"I am delighted to win this award," said Ascenzo, a Junior from Lima, Peru, "but not allowing goals was a team effort. Our whole team has been working hard to make sure we stay clean on the back. We are off to a good start, but the past is done. We need to focus on what is to come, and right now, that is Martin Luther on Monday."

Ascenzo, who earned CAC All-Conference Honorable Mention last season, has played a full 360 minutes (four matches) as the V-Hawks goalkeeper and has not allowed a single goal. He recorded four saves Viterbo's 2-0 season opener win against Cardinal Stritch, and recorded fives saves across three other games to help the V-Hawks to a 4-0-0 record.

"With all individual awards, it is a reflection of the team's success and collective effort and this is no different," Viterbo's fifth-year Head Coach Luke Dunn has to say. "However, Ernesto is fully deserving of this award and has come up with some huge individual plays to earn it. His play has been standout, but his leadership in these games has also been exceptional. Well deserved and congratulations to him!"

This marks Ascenzo's first time winning this award. He wins it alongside Georgia Gwinett College's Emanuele Sordi, who won CAC Offensive Player of the Week.

The V-Hawks return to the pitch Monday, September 5 at Martin Luther College (Minn.) at 2 PM.