Tanya Taylor and Nikki Forrest were instrumental in leading No. 19 UC Irvine to a pair of key conference road wins over Cal Poly and UC Santa Barbara, and were selected Big West Women's Soccer Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week for their efforts.

Taylor Delivers Game-Winning Assist In Two 'Eater Victories

For the second straight week and third time overall, UC Irvine senior Tanya Taylor (Buena Park, Calif./Sunny Hills HS) collected Big West Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week honors.  She delivered the game-winning assist in a pair of Anteater road victories.

The forward assisted on UCI’s first goal in a 3-0 win at Cal Poly on Friday.  She later recorded her ninth goal of the season against the Mustangs, finishing the game with five shots.

Taylor stepped up to help give the Anteaters a dramatic 2-1 win in double overtime over UC Santa Barbara on Sunday.  With one minute remaining in the second extra period, Taylor slotted a pass to teammate Alexis Rafael, who deposited the ball into the net for the win.  The 19th-ranked ‘Eaters improved to 4-0 in league play and 12-1-2 on the season.

Others nominated:  Sonia Espitia (Cal State Northridge); Karina Camacho (Long Beach State); Lisa Kemp (UC Davis); Kim Hargrave (Pacific)

Forrest Assists Stifling UC Irvine Defense

Nikki Forrest (Upland, Calif./Upland HS) spearheaded a stingy UC Irvine defense and captured Big West Women’s Soccer Defender of the Week accolades for her efforts.

The senior defender also produced on offense, recording an assist in both of UCI’s victories against Cal Poly and UC Santa Barbara.

On defense, Forrest played a vital role in shutting out the Mustangs 3-0 on Friday.  The ‘Eaters limited the Gauchos to just a penalty kick goal in a 2-1 win on Sunday, and held their opponent to just two corner kicks.

Others nominated: Cynthia Jacobo (Cal State Northridge); Bo Rael (Long Beach State); Jill Medigovich (Pacific)