PIERRE – Both of the Pierre Athletic Coaches Association-Avera Athletes of the Week for the week ending September 25 are from Pierre Governor Soccer, Meg Maher and Rylan Derry.
Maher is a steady defender. As Governor girls soccer Head Coach Kiera Swenson put it, “Meg does not have the stats to boast about, except one. She has played in every minute of the season minus a few after she took an elbow to the nose and came out for a moment. Her consistent play and coachable attitude has proven time and time again why Meg is a huge contributor to this team. She has an ability to shut down players one-on-one during critical parts of the game. Meg is consistently demonstrating the attitude of a positive teammate and making those around her better. She is a selfless player who is looking to make the team better, not just herself.”
Derry scored on a penalty kick in the 79th minute on September 25 to give the Governor boys a 1-1 draw with top-ranked Sioux Falls Jefferson. It was an important result in the Governors’ bid to secure a home game in the first round of the AA playoffs. Derry’s penalty was set up by Devon Flottmeyer, who was fouled in the box after making a steal.
Head Coach Miguel Manriquez said of Derry, “As one of the captains this year, Rylan has provided exceptional athleticism in a well balanced attack of scoring, passing and build up. His calm demeanor both on and off the field has helped lead the Govs to the many successes they have had this season.”
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