April 25, 2007

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Western Water Polo Association announced today that sophomore Claire Linney has been named Player of the Week. Linney's eight-goal performance this weekend led the Broncos to consecutive wins against Sonoma State, Cal State East Bay and Pacific as Santa Clara prepares for the WWPA Championships, which begin Friday, April 27. For the Broncos, this is the first weekly honor of the season.

"She does a lot of great work for us on offense," said head coach Keith Wilbur. "She played a big part in all three games this weekend and I'm glad that she received this award. Our offense kind of runs through our 2 meter person, and when she's playing well it really helps us. She had a great weekend and that really bodes well for us going into the WWPA Championships."

After scoring a goal against Sonoma State Saturday, Linney posted four goals against Cal State East Bay on Sunday morning, and then scored three more at Pacific in the afternoon. With her eight-goal performance this weekend, Linney is now tied with Andrea Evans as the Broncos fourth leading goal-scorer with 30 goals in 2007.

"I'm really excited and surprised.", said Linney. "I think I played well this weekend, and I'm really glad that we finished the regular season with a strong performance this weekend. Overall we've had a great week and I think the most exciting part for me is that the last weekend before conference was when I was at my best."

The Broncos begin the WWPA Championships Friday at 3:00 p.m. at UC Santa Cruz against the winner of Cal State San Bernardino and UC Santa Cruz.