SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Freshman forward Sofia Huerta was named West Coast Conference Player of the Month for October today. Huerta had a phenomenal month for the WCC-leading Broncos, who went 7-0-1 for the month, by scoring eight goals and adding three assists.

"I definitely give all the credit to my teammates," said Huerta. "They set me up and assists are just as important as goals. I would also say being so close to my team off the field helps because it just makes it that much easier to be successful on the field. I love my team so much and I'm so glad I can be a part of Santa Clara women's soccer."

"We are thrilled for Sofia to be named conference player of the month, especially in her freshman year," said Santa Clara head coach Jerry Smith. She has made a big impact this year and is very deserving of her recognition. The great news is there are better things ahead for Sofia. She is getting better every week and playing her best soccer of the year. We are looking forward to her making an even bigger impact for us in the remainder of our season."

Entering the month Huerta hadn't registered a point in the first two months of her college career despite many near misses. In Santa Clara's first game of the month on Oct. 2 against San Diego State Huerta registered the first Bronco hat trick since 2003. In the same game Huerta also registered her first career assist.

In the Broncos' next game, the conference-opener against Saint Mary's, Huerta scored both Santa Clara goals including the game-winner in overtime in a 2-1 win.

Her eight goals and three assists, good for 19 points, puts her at seventh in the conference in points and second on the Bronco roster and tied for fourth in the conference in goals.

Huerta and the Broncos wrap-up regular season play at San Diego on Fri., Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. as the teams battle for the conference title. The game will be nationally broadcast on ESPNU.