Over the weekend, Verdoia, a junior forward, scored three goals, two versus New Mexico State, also recording three assists. She scored game-winning goals in both 3-0 shutouts versus Kansas City and NMSU, tallying a season high eight shots versus the Aggies. Combined, she recorded 13 shots, five on goal, three goals, three assists, and nine points in the two matches. Verdoia was also named WAC Player of the Week by College Sports Madness for the second straight week.
To date this season, Verdoia has recorded a team high six goals, eight assists, 20 points and 32 shots, 14 on goal, also adding three game-winning goals.
“It is really great to see Stephanie adding in that final pass and getting assists to her teammates,” said head coach Julie Woodward. “Scoring three goals and getting three assists on the weekend is a reflection of how hard she has worked in becoming a complete player and her commitment to adding different elements to her game.”
Escalera, a senior defender, led the Seattle U defense to a pair of 3-0 shutout WAC wins vs. Kansas City and New Mexico State. Escalera led the Redhawk backline who allowed just six shots, one on goal, in two matches over the weekend. This season, Escalera has started all 10 matches, recording four shots of her own, two on goal.
“Monique has really done a great job for us defensively this year,” continues Woodward. “Her practice and play have been so consistent. She is an unbelievable athlete and incredible individual defender whose communication really keeps us organized and focused. I am extremely proud of her and the role she has taken with our team.”
After two weekends of conference play, Seattle U remains one of two undefeated teams with a 3-0-0 record in league action. The Redhawks will face the other undefeated team this weekend, Utah Valley, on their home field in Orem, Utah.
After a four game homestand, SU (6-2-2, 3-0-0 WAC) hits the road for three straight, traveling to Bakersfield (Oct. 4), Utah Valley (Oct. 6), and Grand Canyon (Oct. 11) before returning home again on Oct. 18 to face Utah Valley for a second time.
The other nominees for each position are as follows:
Other Offensive Nominees: Samantha Bush (Grand Canyon), Nitalia Zuniga (Idaho), Taylor Bare (Kansas City), Natalie Baker (Utah Valley)
Other Defensive Nominees: Cierra Valdez (Grand Canyon), Erika Teson (Kansas City)