Cal State Northridge senior Sydney Sonoda (Murrieta, Calif./Murrieta Valley HS) claimed the first Big West Women’s Water Polo Player of the Week award for the 2011 season after she scored a combined eight goals against four nationally ranked opponents at the Michigan Invitational.

Sonoda recorded a pair of hat tricks, the first in a season-opening loss to the host and No. 8 Wolverines and the other against No. 4 UCLA.  The utility also scored twice in a 6-5 victory against No. 13 Indiana, and accounted for the go-ahead goal.

Her eight goals for the week increased her career total to 98, the eighth-best mark in school history.  She also drew 12 ejections and had four steals in the four games.

Others nominated: Ashley Chandler (UC Davis); Kathryn Nelson (UC Santa Barbara)