WAC WOMEN’S SOCCER PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Offensive: Kali Stubbs Jr., F, Utah Valley
Stubbs, a junior forward fom Riverton, Utah (Bingham HS), scored the first two of three goals in Utah Valley’s shutout against Wyoming. Her first goal came in the 25th minute with the left foot from 25 yards out and her second goal was scored in the 63rd minute on a rebound header on a shot by Kasandra Anderson. During the Wolverine victory Stubbs recorded 3 shots and 2 goals.
Other offensive nominees included: Seattle U senior forward Stephanie Verdoia … Texas-Pan American freshman midfielder Andreya Barrera… Kansas City senior forward Ellie Chadick… New Mexico State senior forward Katie Smith.
Defensive: Aubrie Coley, Fr., GK, Texas-Pan American
Coley, a freshman goal keeper from Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. (Capisteano Valley HS) posted her second-career shutout for the Bronc’s at Texas A&M International on Tuesday. This also marked her second-career double overtime match. In her game against Prairie View Coley anchored a defense that allowed just one goal in a 3-1 Bronc victory.
Other defensive nominees included: Seattle U junior goalkeeper Brianna Smallidge… Utah Valley junior goalkeeper Jessica Duffin… Kansas City junior defender Erika Teson… New Mexico State sophomore goalkeeper Tayler Hammack.
SEATTLE U’s STEPHANIE VERDOIA RANKS NATIONALLY
Seattle University’s, Stephanie Verdoia (Sr., F), ranks individually across the board on the Women’s Soccer National Rankings. Verdoia, former WAC Player of the Year and 2014 Preseason Player of the Year, ranks top ten nationally for points per game (9th), goals per game (6th), and total goals (9th). She ranks in the top 50 nationally for total points (24th) and game winning goals (15th).
RETURNING ALL-CONFERENCE PLAYERS
The WAC returns nine all-conference players from the 2013 season, led by Seattle U with four. The Redhawks return all-WAC first team honoree and 2014 WAC Offensive Player of the Year Stephanie Verdoia (Sr., F). Verdoia led the WAC in nearly ever offensive statistical category last season. She is the lone returning player from last year’s all-WAC first team. SU also returns 2014 all-WAC second team honorees Taylor Titzman (Sr., F), Natasha Howe (So., MF) and Brianna Smallidge (Jr., GK). Bakersfield and Missouri-Kansas City each return two players that received all-WAC second team honors last year. CSUB returns 2014 WAC Freshman of the Year and all-WAC second team honoree Hedda Regefalk (So., F). The ‘Runners also welcome 2014 all-WAC second team honoree Sarah Cook, (Sr., D). UMKC has a pair of second-team honorees returning from last season in Alyssa Elver (Sr., MF) and Kaely Tott (Sr., D). New Mexico State returns 2014 all-WAC second team honoree Jennae Cambra (Sr., F).
NCAA OPPONENTS
WAC teams play three matches against teams that played in the NCAA Tournament last year. Two of the matches will be played at WAC home sites. Seattle U will play two home games, while Utah Valley will play a road game against Utah.
Aug. 24 Kentucky at Seattle U
Sept. 21 Utah Valley at Utah
Sept. 25 Portland at Seattle U