CHARLOTTE, N.C. – After a perfect 2-0 start to the season for the Radford women's soccer team, sophomore defender Allyson Giannone has been named Big South Defender of the Week and midfielder Gabi Paupst has been named Big South Freshman of the Week, the conference office announced Monday afternoon.
 
Giannone has certainly made the most of her opportunities this season, starting both games after getting only one starting nod in 2016. With one against Howard and two against USC Upstate she leads the Big South in the assists; in fact, UNC Asheville is the only team in the league that more assists than Giannone has on her own.
 
On Sunday night, her two assists were for Claire Dundon's game-tying goal and then Gabi Paupst's game-winner. She has also handled her business as a pure defender, helping freshman goalkeeper Lexi Dean earn her first career clean sheet against Howard.
 
Two games into her collegiate career, Paupst has two goals including one game-winner. Her first career goal came on a header from Giannone's corner kick to help Radford defeat Howard, 3-0. Then she scored another goal off of a Giannone corner against USC Upstate, this time with her right foot, to give the Highlanders a 3-2 lead in a huge comeback victory on the road.
 
Efficiency has been key considering she has only needed four shots (three on goal) to score her two goals this season.
 
"It's always nice for members of our team to be recognized," said Head Coach Ben Sohrabi. "I think all individual awards are really awards for the team as a whole. The team worked hard to start the season 2-0, but we still have a lot of work to do."
 
Giannone, Paupst and the rest of the Highlanders return to the field this Friday at 7 p.m. when they welcome the UT Chattanooga Mocs to Cupp Stadium. Admission is free.
 
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