NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Amelia Thompson is the Red River Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week in women's soccer for Sept. 22-28.
        The weekly award is Thompson's first at XULA.
        Thompson — a senior defender from Lincolnshire, England, and in her third year at XULA after transferring from Pratt (Kan.) Community College — helped the Gold Nuggets open their conference schedule with home shutouts against Southwest (N.M.) and Texas College. Thompson had an assist in each game, and against Texas College she scored her first two goals of the season.
        XULA's defense allowed one shot — it was on goal — during the two games (180 minutes).
        Next for XULA (3-2-1 overall, 2-0 RRAC) will be 1 p.m. conference games Thursday at Texas A&M-San Antonio and Saturday at Our Lady of the Lake. The next home game will kick off at 1 p.m. Oct. 9 against Texas College at Lafreniere Park (free admission) in Metairie, La.

Photo of Amelia Thompson by Yamlak Tsega