It was another thrilling week in an alread record-setting season for the St. Catherine University soccer team last week. The Wildcats clinched their first trip in program history to the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) playoffs with two critical wins that didn't come easy. Without the stellar play of senior goalkeeper Danielle Mendez (Bloomington, Minn./Academy of Holy Angels), the Wildcats would be watching the playoffs at home. For her efforts, Mendez has been named the Wildcat Athlete of the Week.Â
On a cold and dreary Wednesday evening with winds gusting over 20 mph in Winona, Minnesota, the Wildcats needed a big win over surging Saint Mary's University. Thanks to a five-save performance from Mendez, the Wildcats managed to hold off the Cardinals – who poured on 14 shots of offense toward the goal – for a 2-0 victory.Â
Heading into Saturday's final regular season game at home against already playoff-bound Concordia College, the scenario was easy for the Wildcats – win and you're in. The game was anythign but easy, though. After an early goal, Mendez kept the Wildcats alive making nine incredible saves – including five in the second half when the Cobbers started to surge – to help the Wildcats to a 1-0 win and a season-high performance.Â
This season Mendez leads the MIAC in wins with 11 and her six shutouts are tied for second. Her back-to-back shutouts this week bring her school record career total to 19. Mendez also ranks third in the MIAC for goals against average (0.81) and save percentage (.818).Â
Mendez and the Wildcats will make their first playoff appearance Tuesday as they head to Minneapolis to face Augsburg College at 2 p.m. Earlier this season, the Wildcats upset the then-ranked No. 25 Auggies 2-0 at home to begin an October in which the Wildcats went 8-2.Â
