FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- For his efforts leading the Christopher Newport men's soccer team to a pair of shutout victories this week, senior defender Derek Cook was named the Capital Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week. The Captains posted a 2-0-0 week in conference play, including 2-0 wins over 11th-ranked Mary Washington and Southern Virginia. 

It was the second straight week Christopher Newport earned Defensive Player of the Week recognition as Cook joins Justin Piercy among honored Captains this season. 

This week, Cook picked up an assist in both games, helping on the insurance goal both against Southern Virginia and Mary Washington. He leads the team in helpers with four assists this season and is tied for the team lead in scoring with 10 points on three goals and four assists. 

On the other end of the field, Cook has anchored one of the top defensive units in the conference all season long. In the two conference games this week, Cook played all but eight minutes in a pair of shutout victories in conference play. He played the full 90 minutes against nationally-ranked Mary Washington and added 82 minutes in the earlier win at Southern Virginia. 

The Captains defense, led by Cook, allowed just three total shots on-goal in the two games. Christopher Newport surrendered just 12 shots in the two games while lowering the team's season goals-against average to 0.65. 

Christopher Newport will return to action on Wednesday, October 9 as they host St. Mary's (Md.) in another pivotal CAC matchup. Kickoff against the Seahawks is slated for 7:00 pm at Captains Field.