DENVER - Hawai’i forward Mari Punzal and Idaho goalkeeper Anna Sandman have been named the Western Athletic Conference Soccer Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, for the week of Sept. 3. These are the first WAC Players of the Week of the 2007 season and the first career honor for both Punzal and Sandman.
Punzal, a true freshman from Kappa, Kauai (Kamehameha), led Hawai’i in the 2007 season-opener as she tallied three points for the Rainbow Wahine to help UH defeat No. 26 Kansas, 4-0, in the OHANA Hotels and Resorts No Ka Oi Tournament. She scored a goal and registered one assist in her first-ever collegiate start. With that victory, Punzal helped Hawai’i pick up its first ever win over a ranked opponent.
Sandman, a native of Maple Valley, Wash. (Tahoma), recorded her first shutout and first career victory as she led Idaho to a 2-0 win on the road against Gonzaga. Sandman resisted 19 shots on goal, tallying eight saves, while playing the full 90 minutes in goal. Sandman helped the Vandals log their first win of the season after going 0-17-2 in 2006, securing Idaho’s first victory since Oct. 28, 2005.
Other offensive nominees included: Amanda Reyes of Fresno State tallied three points on one goal and one assist in the Nevada Tournament ... Jennifer Hull of Idaho scored the first goal of her career to seal the victory over Gonzaga ... Kristin Krale of San Jose State produced five points on two goals and one assist during the opening weekend for the Spartans ... Dana Peart of Utah State scored both goals for the Aggies, including the game-winner in the 1-0 victory at Texas State.
Other defensive nominees included: Kaity Revel of Fresno State recorded a 3-0 shutout in her first career start over UC Irvine ... Tehane Higa of Hawai’i helped limit No. 26 Kansas to just two shots on goal in a 4-0 victory over the Jayhawks ... Ali Griffin of Utah State slated her first shutout of the year in the season-opening 1-0 win at Texas State.