Oct. 20, 2003
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara University women's soccer team member Leslie Osborne was named the West Coast Conference Player of the Week for her performances this past weekend in leading the Broncos to two victories.
A preseason All-American midfielder, Osborne netted her first career hat trick to lead the Broncos to a 5-0 victory over seventh-ranked Pepperdine Sunday at Buck Shaw Stadium. Combined with a victory over LMU on Friday, the wins put the Broncos in the lead early of a competitive league season.
"I was happy about my hat trick, but I was more excited at how awesome our team played," the Menomonee Falls, Wis., native said after the match. "We are really coming together as a team and you could see everybody step up their level of play today. A lot of people contributed to this win; I'm happy I could play a part in that."
Osborne's accomplishment marked the second hat trick for a Bronco this season, following Bree Horvath's against San Jose State on August 31. In program history, Osborne is only the 14th player to record the 21st hat trick.
Osborne is one of three players that have started all 16 matches this season, and despite taking on a more defensive role this season, leads the team with eight goals and 20 points. In SCU career record books, Osborne moved into the top 10 in goals, at 32. She is also ranked ninth in assists (31). In the league listings, Osborne is tied for 11th in career assists, and 16th in career goals and points.
Osborne netted two penalty kicks and also scored in the run of play. She netted the game-winner in the first half, and then scored right after intermission in the 54th minute. Her final goal came on another penalty kick, this time in the 75th minute.
The Broncos (9-3-4, 3-0-0) will remain in the Bay Area for continuing WCC matches, and will visit San Francisco and Saint Mary's. The Broncos lead both series: 19-0 against the Dons, and 21-3-2 against the Gaels.
