Miami Ohio University Athletics
Miami Athletes of the Week
11/6/2017 12:00:00 AM | General
OXFORD, Ohio ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢'¬" For their performances last week, junior wide receiver James Gardner and junior field hockey midfielder/forward Paula Portugal are Miami Athletes of the Week for the week of Oct. 30-Nov. 5.
Gardner had 10 catches for 136 yards and three touchdowns last week at Ohio, all career-bests. The junior now had nine touchdown catches this season. The last RedHawk to score double digit receiving touchdowns was Martin Nance (14) back in 2005.
This is the first time this season and second time in his career that Gardner has been named Miami's Male Athlete of the Week. He last won it for the week of Aug. 29-Sept. 4, 2016.
Portugal once again proved valuable to the Miami University field hockey team as they won the MAC Tournament Championship. In the semifinal game against Appalachian State, Portugal notched one goal and two assists. In the final game against Kent State, she had the assist on the game-tying goal and scored the game-winning goal in overtime. Portugal leads the team in goals (18), assists (11), points (47), shots (91), shots on goal (58), game-winning goals (7). Portugal was the leading scorer in the MAC this season. She was named MAC Player of the Year and headlines the All-MAC First Team. Portugal was also named to the MAC all-tournament team.
This is the fourth time this season and sixth time in her career that Portugal has been named Miami's Female Athlete of the Week. It is the third consecutive week she has earned this honor.
The next Miami Athletes of the Week will be announced on Monday, Nov. 13.
