Three Stars: Skrundz, MacWilliam, Wray earn honours

Kristen Skrundz, with fellow graduate Madison Perry (behind to her left), is feted by the Griffins after playing her final regular season home game on Sunday (Chris Piggott photo).

Posted: Oct 10, 2017

MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – Kristen Skrundz is MacEwan Athletics' first star of the week after her efforts in leading the Griffins women's soccer team to a pair of 1-0 wins over UNBC on the weekend.

The fifth-year defender, who was feted after Sunday game – the final home regular-season contest of her university career – played all 180 minutes on the weekend, making numerous great defensive plays.

Other athletes recognized during the past week include second star Jill MacWilliam of the women's hockey team and third star Chris Wray of the men's hockey team.

Skrundz makes the three stars list for the second time this season, having been named third star on Sept. 26. Both MacWilliam and Wray are making the list for the first time this season.

1ST STAR: Kristen Skrundz, D, women's soccer (Edmonton, fifth-year, Nursing)

Playing in the final two home regular season games of her career, Skrundz was a key reason why the Griffins posted back-to-back clean sheets over the UNBC Timerwolves, winning 1-0 on Saturday and Sunday. In Saturday's win, the Griffins captain played 90 minutes and had three shots, including one on goal. In Sunday's win, she had one shot on goal in 90 minutes. She also made numerous defensive plays that set the Griffins up for two shutouts.

2ND STAR: Jill MacWilliam, F, women's hockey (Hay Lakes, AB, second-year, Arts)

MacEwan's player of the game in Friday's home-opening win over Red Deer, the forward scored the Griffins' opening goal by bursting down the left wing and ripping a shot into the far top corner. She also scored the Griffins' tying goal that sent Thursday's game in Red Deer to overtime (MacEwan won 4-3 in a shootout). MacWilliam's faceoff prowess was also a big reason why the Griffins earned four points over the Queens to start the season.

Jill MacWilliam battles with Red Deer's Karissa Cullum on Friday (Matthew Jacula photo)

3RD STAR: Chris Wray, G, men's hockey (Edmonton, fifth-year, Arts)

Wray made 51 saves to earn player of the game for MacEwan during Friday's 4-0 loss in Calgary against SAIT. Even though MacEwan lost in their season-opener, the fifth-year goalie posted a .927 save percentage in the game (stopping 51/55 shots). He stopped 29 of 31 shots in the second period alone, giving the Griffins a chance to come back even though they didn't have their 'A' game.