FARMINGTON, Minn. - Sophomore Anna Mollenhauer (Owatonna, Minn./Owatonna) of the College of Saint Benedict soccer team was named the first Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Defensive Player of the Week of the young 2026 season, announced by the league Tuesday, Sept. 8. It is the first weekly honor in Mollenhauer's young career. 

 

Mollenhauer helped the College of Saint Benedict soccer team to a 3-0 opening week, marking the best start in program history since 2017. Mollenhauer appeared in goal for two of the three contests for the week, spending 90 minutes between the pipes and helping the Bennies record a 3-nil shutout at Central College Sunday, Sept. 6. For the week, Mollenhauer made 14 saves with just one goal allowed, good for a .933 record, and collected her first collegiate win behind a 1-0 week.  

 

The sophomore appeared in the backend of the season-opening 3-1 win against University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, making a career-high seven saves with one goal allowed over 45 minutes. Mollenhauer followed with seven saves over the first 45 minutes in Sunday's contest at Central, matching her career-high en route to a scoreless outing and her first career win. 

 

Mollenhauer and the Bennies return to action Saturday, Sept. 12, as they head to University of Wisconsin-Stout for a 5 p.m. bout.