UHV’s Kaeppeli named RRAC Defensive Player of the Week

WACO – On Monday, the Red River Athletic Conference announced UHV goalkeeper Tyler Kaeppeli as its Defensive Player of the Week for the week of Oct. 2-8.

It's the sophomore's second career weekly award and the second of the season for the Jaguars in addition to Einar Rolfsen's recognition on Sept. 4.

Kaeppeli registered three wins, two shutouts and nine saves in three matches for UHV (8-1-1, 6-1-0) as it extended its win streak to five matches by beating Jarvis Christian, University of the Southwest and Paul Quinn College.

"Tyler played very well in his three starts this past week," said head coach Adrian Rigby. "He made some key saves, and provided us the leadership and communication we need in the back."

The Vernon, British Columbia, Canada-born shot stopper made four saves in a 1-0 win over Paul Quinn College on Saturday to help the Jaguars move into a four-way tie for first place in the RRAC.

Clean sheets against Jarvis Christian and Paul Quinn moved Kaeppeli into sole possession of third place on UHV's all-time shutout list with 13 in his career. His six shutouts this season leads the conference.

Kaeppeli is second in the RRAC for goals against average (0.74) and fifth in save percentage (.750).

"This is great recognition, not only for myself but our defense as well," Kaeppeli said. "We are happy that we got the wins and the clean sheets."

The Jaguars return home Thursday to face LSU Alexandria at 3:30 p.m. in the team's annual Pink Out game.