Midfielder Raisa Strom-Okimoto and goalkeeper Lex Mata were named the Big West offensive and defensive players of the week on Monday for their roles in helping Hawaii to a sweep of its two-game West Coast road swing. UH came back to win 2-1 at Saint Mary’s in overtime on Thursday, then blew past Pacific 5-0 on Sunday.
It marked only the second time in UH’s seven-year history in the conference that it swept the two weekly awards. The only other time was Sept. 19 of last year, when Sonest Furtado and Mata were honored coming off a 2-0 trip to Arizona State and Grand Canyon.
Strom-Okimoto scored the tying goal late in regulation at SMC and assisted on Lei Medeiros’ game-winner by putting a corner kick on the mark. She scored again (her third straight game with a goal) in UH’s four-goal first-half onslaught at UOP. She’s matched her goal output from last season and has 13 for her career. It was the first career weekly award for the senior co-captain.
Mata, a fourth-year junior, had eight saves for the week to pick up her third career player of the week honor. The Pacific game was the two-year starter’s fourth career shutout and second of the season.
UH resumes play at 7 p.m. Friday against UC San Diego at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium.
Chaminade’s Lane named defender of week
Chaminade goalkeeper Brandee Lane was named the PacWest women’s soccer defender of the week, the conference announced Monday.
Lane, a senior from Castle, made three saves in the Silverswords’ 2-0 victory over Antelope Valley on Thursday. It was Lane’s fifth career shutout, tying her with Lauren Ishii for the most in program history.
Silverswords’ Bell honored for defense
Chaminade middle blocker Brooke Bell was named the PacWest volleyball defender of the week, the conference announced Monday.
Bell, a senior from Escondido, Calif., had 37 kills and 15 total blocks and hit .462 as the Silverswords went 4-0 at the D-II West Region Volleyball Showcase in Fresno, Calif.
