A hat trick from Natalia Ledezma and stalwart defense from Sarah Devine propelled UC Irvine to a huge conference win and garnered the duo Big West Women's Soccer Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week honors, respectively.

Ledezma's Hat Trick Boosts UC Irvine's Title Chances

Natalia Ledezma (La Mirada, Calif./UCLA) posted UC Irvine’s first hat trick in 15 years in a crucial conference win against Cal State Northridge to earn Big West Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week plaudits.  It is her second straight and third overall honor this season.

The forward scored goals in the 11th, 66th and 77th minutes to pad UCI’s early 1-0 lead in an eventual 4-0 shutout of CSUN, which entered the game tied atop the standings with UCI.  It was the first hat trick by an Anteater since Nicole Bucciarelli accomplished the feat twice in 1996.

Ledezma has scored at least one goal and tallied at least three points in three straight games.  She has amassed 12 points (5 goals, 2 assists) over the last three matches.  The sophomore leads UC Irvine in goals (11), assists (6) and points (28).

Others nominated: Kacey Held (Cal Poly); Nicole Sweetman (Long Beach State); Allison Kelly (UC Davis)

Devine Anchors Solid UC Irvine Backline

Sarah Devine (San Diego, Calif./Poway HS) spearheaded a stingy UC Irvine defense that led to a 4-0 shutout of Cal State Northridge, helping the senior capture Big West Women’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week accolades.

Devine anchored a backline that allowed the Matadors just two shots on goal and none after halftime as UCI took over sole possession of first place in the Big West with the win.

She also contributed offensively in the match, picking up an assist on the second of Natalia Ledezma’s three goals.

Others nominated: Alex Balcer (Long Beach State)