The Big Ten announced on Monday that two Iowa field hockey players — senior Meghan Beamesderfer and freshman Sarah Drake — were selected for weekly conference honors.

Beamesderfer, along with Ohio State’s Lindsay Quintiliani, was named co-Defensive Player of the Week. The Iowa cocaptain has anchored the Hawkeye defense all year, managing four defensive saves, the most by any Hawkeye this season.

Beamesderfer also helped Iowa capture two victories this past weekend, scoring a goal against No. 11 James Madison as well as against American University.

The award is Beamesderfer’s fourth weekly honor of her career.

Drake’s selection as Freshman of the Week marks the second time she has earned the distinction this season. The Ann Arbor, Mich., native scored a goal in both of Iowa’s wins last weekend.

Drake leads Iowa with eight goals this season.

Beamesderfer and Drake will try to lead the Hawkeyes to a fourth-straight Big Ten championship this week. Fourth-seeded Iowa will open tournament play with a first-round matchup against fifth-seeded Michigan at 10 a.m. Thursday in East Lansing, Mich.

— by Jordan Garretson