Strong openers earn Hoke SEC’s top defensive performer honor

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Arkansas senior defender Carly Hoke was tabbed as the SEC Defender of the Week today by the league office for her performance in a season-opening win over Duquesne and tie against No. 9 West Virginia.

It’s the first conference weekly honor in Hoke’s career.

“This is well deserved,” Arkansas coach Colby Hale said. “It was a fantastic team performance last week and I thought her play and veteran leadership was absolutely vital.”

Looking to begin the 2018 season on the right foot, Arkansas was tasked with a road trip to the Northeast against a Duquesne team picked to finish third in the Atlantic 10 and a top-10 West Virginia team that reached the Sweet 16 a year ago.

Hoke and the Razorback defense were up to the task defeating the Dukes, 1-0, without conceding a shot and only allowing two corner kicks. Hoke, who is back to full health after a season-ending knee injury a year ago, played all 90 minutes against Duquesne and followed it up with a full 110 minutes in the draw with the Mountaineers.

Not only was the win against Duquesne the ninth season-opening win in the last 10 years, it also marked the first time in program history an Arkansas team has not allowed a single shot to an opponent.

Against the Mountaineers, Hoke led a defense that helped earn a 1-1 tie, which was Arkansas’ fourth win or tie against a top-10 opponent in its last seven opportunities dating back to the 2016 season.

Hoke’s 55 starts are the second-most of any active Razorback and Friday’s clean sheet was the 15th she has contributed to since 2015.

Up Next

Arkansas will return to Razorback Field for its next match as it will open the home portion of its schedule against Nebraska-Omaha on Friday, Aug. 24 with first kick set for 7 p.m.