Hawai'i sophomore Tiana Fujimoto and Long Beach State senior Alex Balcer garnered Big West Women's Soccer Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week honors, fulfilling important roles in undefeated weeks for their respective teams.
Fujimoto Strikes Three Times In Pair Of Wins
Hawai'i sophomore Tiana Fujimoto (Honolulu, Hawaii/Moanalua HS) claimed Most Valuable Player honors of the OHANA Hotels and Resorts No Kai Oi Tournament to lead her to Big West Women's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week honors.
The forward scored three goals to help lift UH to the tournament title. She accounted for both goals in a 2-1 win over Sacred Heart, including the game-winner in the 85th minute.
Fujimoto notched her third goal of the weekend in the tournament championship match versus Utah Valley, leveling the score at 1-1 just 16 seconds after the opponent had taken the lead. The Rainbow Wahine went on to win 2-1 in overtime.
Fujimoto owns a team-high four goals and has scored in three straight matches, the first UH player to do so in three years.
Others nominated: Cristina Farrington (Cal Poly); Stacey Fox (Cal State Fullerton); Eileen Maes (Long Beach State); Mady Solow (UC Irvine)
Balcer Helps 49ers To Win Over Ranked Opponent
Senior Alex Balcer (Tucson, Ariz./Catalina Foothills HS) helped Long Beach State continue its home field winning streak with wins against Saint Francis and No. 24 Baylor, recording Big West Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week kudos.
The 49ers extended their winning streak at George Allen Field to nine straight games as they defeated Saint Francis (2-0) and Baylor (2-1 in OT). LBSU also began the year 3-0, matching the program's best start since 2006.
Balcer was the centerpiece of a stingy LBSU defensive unit that held Saint Francis to just five shots in the game.
The defender also stepped up on offense as she connected for her second goal of the season and third of her career in the Baylor match. In the 63rd minute, Balcer took a free kick from midfield that sailed over the Bear goalkeeper's head and into the net that tied the match at 1-1 apiece. She led the 49ers with three shots in the game.
Others nominated: Alyssa Giannetti (Cal Poly); Ana Marija Sola (UC Davis); Haley O'Brien (UC Irvine); Chelsea Miyake (Hawai'i)