HILLSBORO, Ore. — Pacific Lutheran University defender Gracen Connell kept a pair of opponents at arm's length last week and on Monday was recognized for his efforts, earning Northwest Conference Men's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week honors. 

The Bellingham, Washington native played all 180 minutes last week, headlining a stout defense that allowed just nine total shots and only one on goal across two conference games. Connell was part of a defensive unit that allowed just five total shots and none on goal in a scoreless draw with crosstown rival University of Puget Sound last Wednesday. It was PLU's 10th clean sheet of the season. On Saturday, Connell and the defense allowed just four shots and only one on frame in a 1-1 draw with Willamette University.

Connell has started 12 games this season, playing all but eight minutes of those 12 contests. He becomes the third Lute this fall to earn NWC Defensive Player of the Week and the fourth Lute to be recognized for a weekly award by the conference office. Connor O'Brien was tabbed NWC Offensive Player of the Week last Monday while Landen Sexton (Sept. 14) and Landon Gordon (Sept. 7) previously winning NWC Defensive Player of the Week.

The Lutes (10-2-4, 8-1-3 NWC) sit a half game back of Whitman College for first place in the league standings but controls its own destiny with four games remaining in the regular season. PLU kicks off its final home weekend on Saturday, hosting Linfield University at 11 a.m.