Titus, Schwartz and Sestak Named Soccer Players of the Week
Southland Soccer Notes (PDF)
FRISCO, Texas – Sam Houston State senior midfielder Mariah Titus and sophomore midfielder Caitlin Schwartz and McNeese State senior goalkeeper Lauren Sestak were named the Southland Conference Women’s Soccer Players of the Week presented by UniversalCoin.com, the league announced Tuesday. Titus earned offensive honors while Schwartz received defensive accolades and Sestak was tabbed the top goalkeeper for the week.
Offensive Player of the Week – Mariah Titus, Sam Houston State
Mariah Titus helped the Bearkats to their first 2-0 start in program history with the game-winning goal six minutes into overtime, spoiling UTSA’s home opener. The senior also logged an assist on the equalizer in the 41st minute against the Roadrunners. Titus completed the opening weekend with four shots, three points, one goal and one assist in two games.
Honorable Mention: Gisenia Utreras, Southeastern Louisiana; Gabi D’Alesandro, McNeese State; Emani Stewart, UIW.
Defensive Player of the Week – Caitlin Schwartz, Sam Houston State
Caitlin Schwartz helped the Bearkats hold Louisiana-Lafayette scoreless and limit UTSA to a 12th-minute goal in the Roadrunners’ season opener. Schwartz made the most of her opportunities, scoring the Kats first goal of the season in the eventual game-winner against the Ragin’ Cajuns.
Honorable Mention: Mikaela Noriega, UIW; Katie Noonan, Southeastern Louisiana; Kristi O’Brien, Houston Baptist.
Goalkeeper of the Week – Lauren Sestak, McNeese State
Lauren Sestak played a key part in a come-from-behind victory for the McNeese State soccer team Sunday afternoon. The Spring, Texas native staved off an offensive attack from the ULM offense that included eight saves and 18 total shots faced on the day. Sestak’s outstanding play in between the posts prevented any ULM offensive production during the second half of the match.
Honorable Mention: Heather Kowalik, UIW; Kylie Hambleton, Sam Houston State; Katie Turner, Houston Baptist; Alex Latham, Northwestern State.
Each school’s sports information director nominates and votes for the players of the week, though is not permitted to vote for his or her own player. To receive honorable mention, a student-athlete must receive votes from 25 percent of the Southland sports information directors.