COLBY, Kan. – A season-opening victory for Johnson County Community College on Saturday afternoon has led to the first Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Division 2 Women’s Soccer Player of the Week honors for Cavalier players Darby Howard and Avery Young.

Darby Howard (Johnson County) – KJCCC D2 Women’s Soccer Player of the Week
A highly decorated offensive talent out of Bishop Carroll High School, Johnson County freshman forward Darby Howard made an immediate impact in her collegiate debut by recording both assists in the Cavaliers’ 2-1 season-opening victory over Southwestern Illinois. Setting the tone early, Howard fed Ella Hamonds for the match’s first goal of the game just four minutes into the game before later delivering the game-winning assist on Brecken Hoy’s strike in the 71st minute. Howard’s two-assist performance is the most by a Cavalier in a season opener since August 30, 2019.

Avery Young (Johnson County) – KJCCC D2 Women’s Soccer Goalkeeper of the Week
Johnson County sophomore transfer Avery Young was a force in goal during the Cavaliers' season opener Saturday afternoon, turning away 10 of the 11 shots she faced to secure a 2-1 victory over Southwestern Illinois. Her 10 saves tie the program record for most stops in a season opener, matching Rachel Konomos’ 10-save performance on August 28, 2003.

Other Players Nominated:
Daya Lou Homey – KCKCC

Other Goalkeepers Nominated:
McKenna Glade - Highland