University of Hawai‘i forward Mari Punzal has been named the Western Athletic Conference Soccer Offensive Player of the Week for this week. It’s the first WAC Players of the Week award of the season and the first career honor for
University of Hawai‘i forward Mari Punzal has been named the Western Athletic Conference Soccer Offensive Player of the Week for this week.
It’s the first WAC Players of the Week award of the season and the first career honor for the freshman from Kapa‘a.
Punzal led Hawai’i to a 4-0 season-opening win over No. 26 Kansas in the OHANA Hotels and Resorts No Ka ‘Oi Tournament.
The Kamehameha Schools graduate scored a goal and registered one assist in her first-ever collegiate start.
With the victory, Hawai’i picked up the program’s first win over a ranked opponent (1-17-1).
Punzal was one of three freshman to start for the Rainbow Wahine, with defenders Chelsea Deptula (one goal) and Nicole Mikula (one assist) also getting into the scoring act versus the Jayhawks.
The Wahine went on to win the No Ka ‘Oi Tournament with its 2-1 victory over Auburn University.
Punzal was also named to the All-Tournament team as a midfielder. Her parents are Laurie and Eugene Punzal. She intends to major in dentistry.
Hawai‘i was picked to finish fifth in the WAC in a poll by league coaches.
Hawai‘i hosts Pacific in the Outrigger Hotels Soccer Classic.
Idaho goalkeeper Anna Sandman was awarded WAC Defensive Player of the Week after recording her first shutout and first career victory in a 2-0 road win against Gonzaga.
