Syracuse defender Mae Batherson was named College Hockey America Rookie of the Week.

The Canadian freshman had three points in two games this past weekend against RIT. In game one of the home-and-home, Batherson recorded an assist on Victoria Klimek’s second-period goal that brought the Orange to within one. Later that same game, in the third period, Batherson scored her first collegiate goal in Syracuse’s eventual loss to RIT. The next day in Rochester, Batherson would score on the power play in the second period, the first goal of SU’s 3-0 win over the Tigers.

While her efficiency in the offensive zone is clear, Batherson also made plenty of hard-nose defensive plays this week to help her earn the award. On Oct. 29 against Union, Batherson put herself in front of two shots for successful blocks, aiding in Syracuse’s 5-0 win.  

The freshman blueliner looks to build up the Orange’s defensive core for the remainder of the season and aims to put Syracuse in a strong spot during CHA conference play. Hopefully for her, the defense can take her lead, and start challenging opposing shots with more confidence. 

“[We] definitely need to focus a lot on the D zone,” Batherson said. “It’s getting pucks out blocking shots whenever we can.”