Grand Rapids, Mich. — A pair of Aquinas men's soccer players were recognized by the conference office on Monday (Sept. 11) after being major contributors to the Saints going 2-0-1 this past week. AQ swept the conference weekly awards with Ricardo Rittersberger being named the WHAC Offensive Player of the Week and Joshua Clemitson being selected as the WHAC Defensive Player of the Week.

The duo shined as the Saints outscored their three opponents, 9-0, this past week. Aquinas defeated Kalamazoo (2-0), tied Trinity Christian (0-0) and powered past Alma (7-0).

Rittersberger was a goal scoring machine with four goals. The junior striker from Weinheim, Germany, now leads the WHAC in goals (5), points (12) and shots (20) so far this season. He also had two assists to go with his two goals he scored against Alma. Rittersberger buried what turned out to be the game-winning goal at Kalamazoo.

This is Rittersberger's second WHAC Offensive Player of the Week honor in his career. He also won the award last season on Oct. 17, 2022.

As good as Rittersberger was offensively, Clemitson was just as important defensively. The junior from Newcastle, England, helped dictate the flow of all three games from a roaming defensive midfielder position and played a vital role in connecting AQ's defense to the offense. Defensively, the Saints picked up three shutouts with Clemitson playing 90 minutes in every game. AQ held its three opponents to seven combined shots on target. Clemitson also took 13 shots (five on target) and picked up two assists in the 7-0 win against Alma.

This is Clemitson's first WHAC Defensive Player of the Week honor in his career.

The Saints are back in action on Saturday (Sept. 16) with a homecoming contest against Goshen. The AQ women's soccer team will play first before the men are scheduled to take the field at 3 p.m.