DENVER ? Utah State forward Shantel Flanary and Louisiana Tech goalkeeper Cat Buchanan have been named Western Athletic Conference Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively.
Flanary, a forward out of Highland, Utah (Lone Peak), came off the bench to provide a goal and an assist in the Aggies 3-0 win over Northern Colorado on Sept. 6. The freshman assisted the game-winning goal by senior Candice Clark, good for her first collegiate assist. Flanary has scored in both of Utah State’s wins after she scored off a corner kick in 61st minute, her second goal of the season. After her three point weekend, she now leads the Aggies in points with five and has played the second-most minutes (427) among Aggie freshmen.
Buchanan, a freshman goalkeeper from Shawnee, Kan. (Shawnee Mission NW HS), recorded her second shutout of the season in a 2-0 victory over Stephen F. Austin. The Lady Techsters avenged a 7-2 loss at the hands of SFA in 2007. Buchanan became the first keeper in Tech history to begin her career with two consecutive shutouts. She also stopped all four shots she faced. The freshman has seven saves on the season and has yet to allow a goal. With the win, Louisiana Tech moves to 2-1 on the season, matching its win total from 2007 in just three games.
Other offensive nominees were: Rachel King of Louisiana Tech, scored the game-winning goal in Tech’s win over Stephen F. Austin, the first goal in her collegiate career. Cristen Drummond of Nevada, recorded her first goal of the season, the sixth of her career, against Portland State (1-2). Fresno State’s Nicole Guitierrez scored the game-winning goal against Eastern Kentucky (1-0) for her 18th career goal. Boise State midfielder Janelle Jin led the Broncos to a 2-1 victory over Idaho State when she scored the game-winning goal in the 43rd minute. Idaho’s Nicole McAllister fired off four shots with two on target, and scored the clinching goal against Idaho State.
Other defensive nominees were: Nevada’s Sarah Hunt, the senior goalkeeper recorded her first shutout in the Wolf Pack’s 0-0 double overtime tie at San Francisco. Lindsey Smart of Utah State played all 200 minutes in the Aggies tie against Texas State (0-0) and win at home vs. Northern Colorado (3-0). Selena Gill of Fresno State anchored a defense that shutout Eastern Kentucky (1-0) did not allow a shot on goal. Boise State goalkeeper Liz Ruiz made seven saves in games against Idaho State (2-1) and Seattle (1-2) and finished with a 1.50 GAA. Elizabeth Boyden of Idaho allowed just one goal and finished with eight saves in 180 minutes over the weekend and led Idaho to a 1-1 record.