Verdoia started the season with a two-game scoring streak after adding a goal apiece in each of the team’s opening two matches.
She scored the Redhawks’ first goal of the season on a penalty kick in the team’ 2-1 victory over Idaho on Aug. 22, also scoring the clutch game-tying goal vs. Kentucky just a minute before the end of regulation on Aug. 24. Tallying nine shots vs. Idaho set a new career high for Verdoia, previously eight shots, last recorded on Nov. 1, 2013 vs. Idaho.
About Verdoia’s goal vs. Kentucky, head coach Julie Woodward said, “Steph’s finish was clinical. It’s something she’s worked on in the offseason and I’m proud of her.”
Verdoia, a 2014 team captain, was named WAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year after earning the same honor postseason as well as the WAC’s Joe Kearney Award in 2013.
Texas-Pan American’s Aubrie Coley was named WAC Defensive Player of the Week after the goalkeeper recorded a 2-0 shutout in UTPA’s first match to lead the team to their first ever win at Southern. She also helped the Broncs to a 1-1 tie at Jackson State.
The Redhawks (1-1-0) take their first regular season road trip this weekend to Hawaii for the OHANA Hotels and Resorts No Ka Oi where they will face Northern Illinois on Aug. 30 at 10 p.m. PT and host Hawaii on Sept. 1 at 8 p.m. PT.
The nominees for each position are as follows:
Other Offensive Nominees: Jyllian Coggins (Chicago State), Cassie Beckwith (Grand Canyon), Jennae Cambra (New Mexico State), Andreya Barrera (UTPA)
Other Defensive Nominees: Rachel Mina (Grand Canyon), Tayler Hammack (New Mexico State), Brianna Smallidge (Seattle U), Lexi Robison (Utah Valley)