Garcia, Noriega sweep RRAC Women’s Soccer Players of the Week
WACO – For the second time this season, the Texas A&M University-Victoria women's soccer team swept weekly honors in the Red River Athletic Conference.
On Tuesday, Ayloni Garcia and Jamie Noriega were named RRAC Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively. It's the second time each player has been honored and the fifth and sixth awards this season for A&M-Victoria women's soccer.
The duo helped the Jaguars (5-2-3, 2-1-1) to an unbeaten week with a 6-2 win at Jarvis Christian on Thursday and a 1-1 draw on the road at Texas A&M-Texarkana on Saturday.
"I'm extremely proud of the team's performance this week," said head coach Kimberly Uetrecht. "It was a clear demonstration of collective effort and determination. It's always rewarding to see individual players recognized for their contributions. Ayloni has show exceptional focus in driving our attack while Jamie was outstanding in goal, meeting every challenge with strength and composure."
Garcia tallied three goals and an assist last week to move her season totals to nine goals and three assists. The McAllen native is in the Top 5 of the RRAC in goals (3rd, 9), points (3rd, 21) and shots (5th, 34)
She is on pace to break the single-season records for goals and points after scoring six goals over the last five games. Garcia has found the back of the net in each of the last three matches for the Jaguars.
"I'm honored to receive this recognition again," Garcia said, "but it truly reflects the effort of our whole team. My teammates and coaches push me to be better every day, and I couldn't do it without them. We're excited to keep improving together."
Noriega earned her second nod as Defensive Player of the Week following a heroic performance in goal on Saturday.
The Dickinson native made 11 saves – one shy of Amanda Bautista's record from October 2017 – to help the Jaguars secure the draw at A&M-Texarkana. It was the first time A&M-Victoria earned a point on the road against the Eagles.
Noriega ranks in the Top 5 in the RRAC in saves (4th, 38), save percentage (2nd, .792), goals allowed (5th, 10) and goals allowed average (3rd, 1.30).
"I'm honored to be named the RRAC Defensive Player of the Week again," Noriega said. "It's exciting to see our unity grow defensively as we move along in conference."
The Jaguars are back at home this week to face Texas College on Thursday, and University of the Southwest on Saturday.