UC Santa Barbara's Lauren McLaughlin (Torrance, Calif.) kicked off the 2007 season in fine fashion as she posted a career-best in kills and recorded three double-doubles, guiding the Gauchos to a 2-1 mark at the San Diego State Invitational. Her efforts over the weekend earned her the first Big West Player of the Week accolade for the new year.

While leading the Gauchos in kills in all three matches, McLaughlin also tallied a career-best 27 kills versus Fairfield. Her hitting percentage also improved throughout the tournament as she started with a .148 clip against San Diego State, but registered .370 against Long Island and .410 versus Fairfield. For the week, the junior outside hitter averaged 5.23 kills per game and blasted a .287 hitting percentage. Her three double-doubles earned her a spot on the San Diego State Invitational All-Tournament Team.

The Gauchos (2-1) continue their 12-match road trip this weekend when they head to Los Angeles, Calif., for the LMU Four Points Sheraton LAX Classic. UC Santa Barbara will face UNLV, host Loyola Marymount and Northwestern in the two-day event.