DENVER Hawaii forward Natasha Kai and Rice goalkeeper Lauren Shockley have been named the Western Athletic Conference womens soccer offensive and defensive Players of the Week, respectively.
Kai, a junior from Kahuku, Hawaii, led Hawaii to three-straight road wins over UC Santa Barbara, Southern California and Loyola Marymount. She scored in each win, including the game-winners in overtime over UCSB and Loyola Marymount. Her goal against the Gauchos came just 53 seconds into the first overtime, while the goal versus LMU came just 2:17 into overtime. She also provided an assist in UHs 2-1 win over LMU. Kais strong week also put her in the WACs career top
five in points (106).
Shockley, a senior from Indianpolis, Ind., was solid in the net, as Rice went 1-1-1 last week. She allowed only one goal while playing three full games, including two that went into double-overtime, for a total of 305:20 minutes. The all-WAC honoree made 13 saves of 14 shots on goal for a .929 percentage. She tied a career-high eight saves against Big 12 power Baylor on the road in Waco as the teams battled to a 0-0 draw. Shockley has allowed only one goal in Rices four games this year, a total of 395 minutes.
Other offensive nominees included: Alli Tsuchida, Boise State; Courtney Sobrero, Fresno State; Sarah Yoder, Rice; Shannon Leslie, San Jose State; Kimber Bailey, SMU; Christine McCartney, UTEP and Carrie Schnarre, Tulsa.
Other defensive nominees included: Amanda Clark, SMU; Heather Clark, UTEP and Pam Devore, Tulsa.