Nov. 2, 2009

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State field hockey senior Floor Rijpma (Bunnik, Netherlands) was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for the fourth time this season (11/2,10/26, 9/28, 9/7) and the fifth time in her career after recording a hat trick in MSU's 5-1 victory over Penn State. With their victory over Penn State, the Spartans to finished the Big Ten Regular Season undefeated (6-0) for the first time in school history.

"We're very excited for Floor," said head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof. "She continues to be an important member of our team and we're happy she has been recognized by the Big Ten for her achievements."

Rijpma was a force for the Spartans' offense over the weekend, netting her third hat trick of the season in a 5-1 victory over Penn State on Saturday. Rijpma's hat trick included the game winning goal, her sixth of the season and third in a row. With her three goals against the Nittany Lions, Rijpma moved into 4th place all-time in points (125) and 3rd place all-time in goals (54) in MSU Field Hockey history. Rijpma also finished the season as the Big Ten Regular Season leader in goals (10) and points (20) for the second consecutive season. The three goals give Rijpma a team-high 18 goals and 39 points.

"Floor made a difference for us this past weekend," van de Kerkhof said. "She's playing at the level where you want your leading forward to be with the postseason around the corner."

Rijpma and the rest of the Spartans return to action this weekend when they host the Big Ten Tournament at Ralph Young Field. Having earned a first round bye for winning the Big Ten Regular Season Championship, the Spartans will play Friday (Nov. 6) at 12:15 p.m. against the winner of Thursdays' Michigan/Iowa matchup.

The Big Ten Network will cover the Tournament semifinals and finals with the following live schedule:

Friday, November 6th:
12:15pm - #1 Michigan State versus #4 Iowa/#5 Michigan winner
2:00pm - #2 Ohio State/#7 Penn State winner versus #3 Indiana/#6 Northwestern winner