Oct. 30, 2006
Santa Clara, Calif. - Santa Clara University soccer players Joseph Buttitta and Marian Dalmy were both named West Coast Conference Player of the Week after leading their respective teams to important victories over the weekend. Buttitta allowed just one goal in two Bronco wins over San Diego and Loyola Marymount to help SCU clinch the WCC title. In her only match of the week Sunday, Dalmy celebrated her Senior Day with two goals and an assist in the Broncos 4-0 win over San Francisco.
The Broncos sophomore goalkeeper earned two more wins over the weekend to help Santa Clara clinch the WCC title for the first time since 2003. Against San Diego on Friday, Buttitta allowed just one goal to help Santa Clara earn a 2-1 overtime victory over the Toreros. The San Jose native followed that performance up with a dominating shutout on Sunday against Loyola Marymount. Buttitta made five saves in the game and withstood 10 shots in the opening 20 minutes of the game to lead SCU to a 2-0 win. The win clinched the WCC title for the Broncos, who are now 7-1-2 in the conference. Buttitta has posted a league-leading seven shutouts on the season and has not allowed more than one goal in his past eight games as the Broncos have posted an eight-game unbeaten streak. He currently leads the WCC in goals against average at 0.76.
"Joe has been gaining great experience this year in his first season as our starter," said men's head coach Cameron Rast. "He has steadily improved throughout the season and has consistently played at a high level. He always seems to rise to the occasion and he did it again this week so we are proud to have him earn the honor."
The Santa Clara women's side made it two in a row Monday as senior defender Marian Dalmy was named the WCC Player of the Week, following teammate Kiki Bosio, who earned the honor last week. Dalmy netted a pair of goals and assisted on another in Sunday's 4-0 win over San Francisco on Senior Day at Buck Shaw Stadium. With the win, the Broncos remain in a tie for first with Portland in the WCC standings with matching 4-1-1 records.
"Marian's leadership and her play on both ends of the field have been top-notch for us all year," said head coach Jerry Smith. "It was appropriate that on Senior Day she really dominated the match, which is not an easy thing to do from an outside back position, but she's done that for us a few times this season. Marian has been consistent for us all year long and is recognized across the country as a top player. It's great to see her recognized as the WCC Player of the Week."
The performance continued a recent hot streak for the team captain, as she has scored three times and registered three assists in the last four matches. On the season, Dalmy leads all WCC defenders with five goals and 16 points and is a nominee for the M.A.C. Hermann Award, given annually to the top women's soccer player in the nation.
Both the men's and women's teams wrap up the regular season this weekend. The men host Portland on Friday, Nov. 3 at 7:00 p.m. PT and Gonzaga on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 1:00 p.m. PT. To purchase tickets, call 408-554-4660 or go to SantaClaraBronocs.com. The women's team finishes its regular season on the road, playing at California on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 3:00 p.m. PT and at Saint Mary's on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 2:00 p.m. PT. If the Broncos defeat Saint Mary's they will guarantee themselves at least a share of the WCC title.
