SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Freshman midfielder Sarah Howard was named the Big Sky Conference Soccer Offensive Player of the Week, it was announced today after her one goal and one assist performance over the weekend.Sacramento State opened play in the Big Sky with a 1-1 tie against Eastern Washington on Friday and a 2-0 shutout of Montana on Sunday.
With the Hornets trailing the Eagles, 1-0, Howard was responsible for heading in the equalizer during the 34th minute. The Chino, Calif., native found the end of senior Marissa Condren’s free kick and directed it to the upper corner from eight-yards out, recording her first collegiate goal. The 5-foot-8 midfielder has worked her way into the starting lineup, getting the nod in 11 matches this year.
Howard then played a role in the Hornets’ second goal against the Grizzlies on Sunday. The Chino HS graduate headed junior Maggie Murphy’s corner kick toward sophomore Katie McCoy, who punched in the score. Sacramento State’s 1-0-1 start in conference is the best for the program since 2001.
Howard becomes the third Sacramento State player to receive conference player of the week honors in 2005, with goalkeeper Jenny Lawrence getting the honor on Aug. 29 and Linda Sanchez earning the honor on Sept. 6.
The Hornets continue Big Sky play at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16, hosting current conference leader Northern Arizona (2-0).
