ALFRED, NY -- Senior defender/midfielder Miranda Gilbert (Watertown, NY/Watertown) of the Alfred University women's soccer team was named the Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week on Monday afternoon following an undefeated, double shut-out week for the Saxons.

Gilbert was instrumental in the Saxons' undefeated week with her top performance occurring on Saturday. Gilbert, playing mostly defense but occasionally switching to midfield (substitutions pending) helped the Saxons keep host Bethany College (WV) away from scoring position. Gilbert and the defense held the Bisons to only one shot on goal and even with that, they made sure that senior Saxon goalkeeper, Sammy Jo Shanahan (Valley Stream, NY/Valley Stream South) did not have to do any work for the full 90 minutes as the defense recorded a team save on the play at the end of regulation.

Gilbert was also charged with the game-winning goal in the 24th minute of play. Gilbert received a well-placed throw in from teammate Alyssa Garbarino (Merrick, NY/Sanford H. Calhoun), turned and then scored from outside of the box for the 1-0 win. Earlier in the week, Gilbert and the Saxons held Houghton College to a 0-0 tie in Empire 8 action. Saturday's goal was her first collegiate career game-winner.

Gilbert and the rest of the Saxons will next take to the road again as they head to SUNY Geneseo on Tuesday, October 3 for a 4:30 pm match start before returning home for an Empire 8 contest against The Sage Colleges on Saturday, October 7 at 1 pm.