Rock Hill, S.C.----Wingate University senior defender Krysta Churns has been named the WePlayed Sports South Atlantic Conference women's lacrosse Defensive Player of the Week, league officials announced Monday afternoon. Churns earns Player of the Week accolades for the first time in her career.

Churns had a big day, anchoring a Wingate defense that shut out Belmont Abbey in the second half as the #14 Bulldogs prevailed 14-6 to move to 3-1 on the season. The senior piled up five caused turnovers on the night, while also adding a pair of ground balls to help the 'Dogs roll to the eight-goal road win.

Churns leads the Bulldogs with 15 caused turnovers this season, adding eight ground balls to go along with an assist. Her efforts have the 'Dogs leading the nation with 17.75 caused turnovers per game and ranking 14th nationally in scoring defense. Churns leads the SAC and ranks seventh in the nation in CTs per game.

The Bulldogs are back in action Thursday, hosting #18 Seton Hill for a key regional showdown at noon at Irwin Belk Stadium.