SACRAMENTO, Calif. - After scoring the game winner in Sacramento State’s overtime victory against Northern Arizona on Sunday, junior forward Kelly Novak was named the Big Sky Conference Soccer Offensive Player of the Week, it was announced today. The Hornets’ 2-1 victory over the Lumberjacks propelled them to first place in the conference with a 2-0-1 record.
It is Sacramento State’s best start to league play since 2001 as the team remains one of only two undefeated teams in the Big Sky.
In the 97th minute, Novak registered the five-yard golden goal when sophomore Katie McCoy found the Clayton, Calif., native, open in the penalty box . With her back to goal, Novak sidestepped one defender and placed her shot passed Northern Arizona goalkeeper Darin Kleinsmith.
It is the second straight week that a Sacramento State player has received the award. Freshman midfielder Sarah Howard earned the honor last week after her one goal and one assist performance. Earlier in the season, senior midfielder Linda Sanchez earned the award on Sept. 6 and freshman goalkeeper Jenny Lawrence earned the award on Aug. 29.
Sacramento State plays two matches this week, hosting Cal State East Bay at 1:30 p.m. on Friday in a non-conference game before traveling to Portland State on Sunday. The Vikings are the only other undefeated team in the Big Sky with a 1-0-1 record.
