UC Irvine sophomore Natalia Ledezma and Cal State Northridge junior Cynthia Jacobo were selected Big West Women's Soccer Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week after stellar performances that resulted in their respective squads rising to at or near the top of the league standings.

Ledezma's Feet Produce Two Crucial UC Irvine Victories

Natalia Ledezma (La Mirada, Calif./La Mirada HS) led UC Irvine to two huge conference wins to collect her second Big West Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week award this season.

Ledezma factored in all four Anteater goals as UCI defeated Cal State Fullerton (2-1) and No. 22 Long Beach State (2-0) to regain first place in the Big West standings. 

The sophomore assisted on UCI’s game-tying goal against the Titans, then she produced the game-winner on a sizzling shot that banked off the crossbar and into the goal.  Against the 49ers, she set up Lexi Kopf for a first half goal that proved to be the game-winning assist.  Ledemza later added her eighth goal of the year for insurance against an offensively lethal 49er squad.

Others nominated: Heidi Farran (Cal State Northridge); Lisa Kemp (UC Davis)

Jacobo Restricts Big West's Leading Offense In Shutout Of No. 22 Long Beach State

Cynthia Jacobo (Granada Hills, Calif./Granada Hills HS) recorded a shutout in goal to knock off league-leading and No. 22-ranked Long Beach State, earning the netminder Big West Women’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week accolades.

It was Jacobo’s second award in the last three weeks.  She made three saves to post her third shutout of the season and 15th of her career.  She faced seven 49er shots and combined with a stingy Matador defense to hold down the Big West’s most prolific offensive side.

Jacobo improved to 3-1-1 with a 0.77 goals against average in Big West play.    She also has an .846 save percentage in league action.

Others nominated: Aisha Lott (UC Davis); Sarah Devine (UC Irvine); Makenna Henry (UC Santa Barbara)