Freshman midfielder Leanne Bishop takes home Valdosta State’s third Gulf South Conference Player of the Week award this season. She is the first ever Blazer to take home the award for her offensive performance with Arielle Sabina and Olivia Mills earning GSC Defender of the Week awards.

Bishop struck the program’s first ever hat trick in a 3-2 victory over West Alabama Saturday. Each time Valdosta State trailed, 1-0, and 2-1, Bishop tied the match and eventually hit the game-winner in the 66th minute of the match to keep Valdosta State in the hunt for a share of the Gulf South Conference Regular Season Title.

After going scoreless for most of the season, Bishop is now tied with Blakely McClellan, Rebecca Miller and Morgan Cutts for the team lead in goals with three each.

Valdosta State will take on the Thomas Nighthawks at 7 p.m. Wednesday and then play the team’s last conference match at 11 a.m. Saturday against West Georgia. With a win, Valdosta State would claim a share of the GSC title and the Blazers also still have a chance at the top seed at the Gulf South Conference Soccer Tournament.