EAST LANSING, Mich. – Following her hat trick in just 11 minutes at Illinois on Sunday, Michigan State Senior Lauren DeBeau earned Big Ten Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week. This honor is handed out to one offensive player in the Big Ten each week, along with the award for Defensive Player of the Week.    

The Spartans took down the Fighting Illini 3-0 away from home, thanks to DeBeau’s historical performance. Not only did the Shelby Township native receive this award, but she also set the record for the fastest hat trick scored in Michigan State program history. Since arriving in East Lansing, the Central Michigan transfer has started every game and played an instrumental role in the success of the team.  

DeBeau joins Camryn Evans on the short list of Spartans with three-goal games so far this season. DeBeau and Evans are tied for the team lead with six goals this season.

MSU has ridden the coattails of these sensational offensive performances, finding itself 1-0 in Big Ten play and 6-1-2 overall. Michigan State has won its Big Ten opener each of the last three seasons, and looks to keep up its winning ways.

The Spartans will go for three straight wins on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. at DeMartin Stadium. This conference matchup will be streamed on BIG+.