Emory University freshman Clare Mullins and sophomore Andrew Natalino were named the University Athletic Association (UAA) Women's and Men's Soccer Athlete of the Week, respectively, for their defensive efforts during the teams' matches last week.

Mullins helped the Eagles hold their opponents to just one goal on 11 shots during two games last week, while scoring two goals of her own and assisting on three others.  On Wednesday, Mullins and the Emory defense held Agnes Scott College to just two shots, neither of which was on goal, during a 7-0 win.  She also scored the first two goals of the contest and assisted on another, giving the freshman the first points of her collegiate career.  Mullins followed that performance by helping to hold Maryville College to just one goal on nine shots (eight on goal) during a 3-1 victory on Sunday, while also assisting on a pair of goals during the contest.  

She has started all nine games during her inaugural campaign with Emory, helping the Eagles defense record a 0.14 goals-against average and allow just 3.7 shots on goal per game.  In addition, she ranks third on the team this season with seven points on two goals and three assists. 

Mullins becomes the third member of the Emory women's soccer team to receive the UAA's defensive honor this season, joining goalkeeper Kaele Leonard and midfielder Lee Bachouros.  Mullins performance has helped the Eagles to an 8-0-1 start to the season.

Natalino and the Eagles' defense set a program record for consecutive shutouts last week.  On Wednesday, Natalino played the first 71:32 of the Eagles' 5-0 win over Piedmont, holding one of the nation's top-performing offenses this season to just four shots, three of which were on goal.  In addition, he scored the game-winning goal in the 23^rd minute of the contest.  On Saturday, during a 9-0 win over Greensboro College, Natalino held the Pride to just two shots (only one of which was on goal), while scoring a goal and adding on an assist over his 61 minutes played. 

His defensive efforts this season have helped the Eagles to a program-record seven consecutive shutouts and a 0.11 goals against average (one goal allowed in nine games).  Offensively, he has contributed with a team-best five goals (including three game winners) and three assists for 13 points. 

This is the second time Natalino has been named the UAA's Athlete of the Week for men's soccer, and along with Trenton Spindler and Nathan McKeever, an Emory player has earned the honor in each of the four weeks it has been awarded this season.  Natalino has led the Eagles to a 9-0-0 start to the season.

The Emory men's and women's teams also rose in the latest rankings.  The men's squad is now ranked ninth (from 10th last week) in the latest NSCAA poll and 12th (from 15th) in the D3Soccer.com poll.  The women's team rose from 17th to 14th in this week's NSCAA poll, and from 15th to 14th in the D3Soccer.com poll.

Both Emory squads will return to action on Sunday, kicking off their conference schedules against UAA-rival Washington University (Mo.) in St. Louis.