IRVINE, Calif. – Following another week of non-conference play, The Big West announced its weekly Players of the Week honors and two Gauchos were recognized for their performances. Junior Olivia Howard and freshman Natalie Sheffey earned Offensive Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week, respectively.
 
Howard notched two goals in the Gauchos' trip to the Peace Garden State and both would end up being the game winners in the contests. Against North Dakota, the Dallas, Texas native netted an 84^th minute penalty kick goal to give the Blue and Gold their third consecutive win. She did not stop there, against North Dakota State the junior got the scoring started early, netting her second goal of the week just three minutes and 13 seconds into the contest. Howard helped the Gauchos to a 2-0 trip to North Dakota.
 
Natalie Sheffey was due for her first collegiate goal. Before her 79^th-minute goal against North Dakota State, she had taken eight quality shots but did not get one past the keeper. She ultimately broke through and helped the Gauchos to a strong 3-0 win over the Bison. In the same game, Sheffey assisted on the Gauchos' second goal in the 42^nd minute. The Freshman took a corner kick that was not cleared and ultimately Evelyn Arsenault put one past the keeper to give Sheffey her second assist of the season.
 
Howard, Sheffey and the Gauchos return home for a four-game homestand beginning Thursday, Sept. 11, against New Mexico. Santa Barbara and the Lobos will kick off at 7 p.m. at Harder Stadium.