WAC WOMEN’S SOCCER PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Offensive: Isabelle Butterfield, Fr., F, Seattle U
Butterfield, a freshman forward from Bellevue, Wash. (Bellevue HS), scored her first career game-winner in the 2-0 shutout at Saint Mary’s. Butterfield scored in the 52nd minute, sneaking past the defender on her right side. She led the Redhawk’s with two shots, both on goal.
Other offensive nominees included: Utah Valley junior forward Kali Stubbs … Missouri-Kansas City defender Sarah Todd… Texas-Pan American freshman midfielder Andreya Barrera… Grand Canyon sophomore forward Riley Richardson… New Mexico State sophomore forward Gabby Campbell.
Defensive: Jessica Duffin, Jr., GK, Utah Valley
Duffin, a junior goal keeper from Smithfield, Utah (Skyview HS) posted her best week of the season in goal for the Wolverines. She recorded three shutouts as Utah Valley went a perfect 3-0-0. Duffin did not allow a single goal on the week. She led the UVU defense in the box with 16 saves on the week and held her own in the overtime against UNLV. Duffin registered all 278:28 minutes in goal.
Other defensive nominees included: Texas-Pan American freshman goalkeeper Aubrie Coley… Missouri-Kansas City junior goalkeeper Nina Tzianos…Seattle U freshman defender Celia Vaughn.
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 (5th), goals per game (4th), and total goals (6th). She ranks in the top 50 nationally for total points (18th) .
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
Aug, 24 UTPA at Jackson State
Sept. 21 Utah Valley at Utah
Sept. 25 Portland at Seattle U
CHICAGO STATE, UTPA IN FIRST SEASON IN LEAGUE
Chicago State and Texas-Pan American take to the pitch this season for the first time in school history. CSU head coach Tony Tommasi leads the Cougars in their inagural season with 24 freshmen. Texas-Pan American head coach Glad Bugariu will be the first Broncs women’s soccer coach in school history. Bugariu has 19 freshmen and seven players with college experience.