Kirby Zak, Jenny Pence honored by Southland
9/22/2009 3:00:00 PM | Soccer
Kirby Zak and Jenny Pence of Sam Houston State have been named as Southland Conference women's soccer "Offensive Player of the Week" and "Goalkeeper of the Week", respectively, after Bearkat matches last week against Texas Southern and Texas A&M.
Zak, a 5-5 freshman midfielder from Aledo High School, scored three goals for the 18th "hat trick" in the seven-year history of the Sam Houston women's soccer program in a 6-0 victory over Texas Southern on Wednesday. Zak also assisted on a goal in the victory over the Tigers. Sunday she had one of the Bearkats' two shots in a 4-0 loss at No. 13 Texas A&M.
Pence, 5-6 junior from Kingwood, was in goal for the shutout over Texas Southern and tied a school record with 17 saves in the contest against the Aggies. The Bearkat defense limited Texas A&M to just one goal in the first 48 minutes of the contest. Pence faced 44 shots during the week's two matches, making a total of 20 saves.
The honor marks the fourth time that Pence has been recognized as Southland "Goalkeeper of the Week." She received the award once during her freshman season in 2007 and twice last fall.
"This is an exciting honor not just for Kirby and Jenny but the whole team," SHSU head coach Tom Brown said. "Our players gave an awesome effort over at Texas A&M. On Friday, the Aggies beat No. 2 Portland State 3-1 and they only defeated us 4-0. That effort will give our young team something upon which to build."
Sam Houston State plays host to Louisiana Tech at 7 p.m. Friday at Pritchett Field.
