Koehler-Grassau, Zak named IG Wealth Management Athletes of the Week, powered by Planters
Burlington, Ont. – Katherine Koehler-Grassau and Nathan Zak have been named IG Wealth Management Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Athletes of the Week, powered by Planters, for the period ending September 30, 2018.
Female Athlete of the Week – Katherine Koehler-Grassau (Greely, Ont.) – 5th Year – UOIT Ridgebacks
The UOIT Ridgebacks women’s soccer team is finding their stride after a tough start, and a big contributor to the team’s current seven-game point streak is long-time Ridgeback Katherine Koehler-Grassau.
After the teams traded early goals, the Ridgebacks were looking for a spark to give them the edge against the Laurentian Voyageurs on Saturday, and they managed to get just that before the break. After receiving a terrific through ball, Koehler-Grassau found herself in a one-on-one situation against a Voyageurs defender and after getting by her, the fifth-year midfielder side-stepped the goaltender to put home the game-winner.
Beyond her exceptional ability to execute within UOIT’s offensive transitions, Koehler-Grassau also provided strong support in the defensive half of the pitch during her team’s win and draw this weekend.
Male Athlete of the Week – Nathan Zak (North Bay, Ont.) – 4th Year – Nipissing Lakers
Nipissing men’s soccer picked up two big wins this weekend to bring their record to .500 for the year, with fourth-year forward Nathan Zak playing a key role for the Lakers.
Nipissing opened up their winning weekend with a high-scoring affair with Trent. In the 60th minute, with the Lakers leading 3-1, Zak tallied the team’s fourth and final goal on the afternoon. The marker proved to be an important one, with Trent putting home two late goals to make the final 4-3. Zak also added an assist in the game.
The team’s encore performance against UOIT was a much more defensive battle, but that didn’t stop the North Bay, Ont. native from getting his chances. Despite being held off the score sheet, Zak made his presence felt with four shots on goal, ultimately helping to create chances that led to the winning goal.