Fresno State Athletics
Photo by: Keith Kountz
Alex Best named MW Defensive Player of the Week
9/19/2016 11:01:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Best allowed zero goals this weekend en route to her first two collegiate wins and first shutout
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Fresno State redshirt freshman goalkeeper Alex Best has been selected as the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week for matches played Sept. 12-18, the conference announced Monday, following back-to-back home victories for the Bulldogs over the weekend.
Â
"We are happy for Alex to get recognition for the difficult situations she faced," Fresno State head coach Brian Zwaschka said. "She had a big impact on our results, and it is down to the continued concentration of our whole goalkeeping unit being prepared for just such an occasion."
Â
Fresno State defeated St. Mary's (CA) 2-1 last Friday and Montana 1-0 on Sunday to extend its winning streak to a MW-best five games, its longest since 2008. The five-straight non-conference wins are the most in program history.
Â
"Our defense in front of Alex helped to make the game situations manageable and limit the danger," Zwaschka added. "But when she was called on, she was solid like we expected."
Â
Last Friday, the Studio City, Calif., native came into a tie game in the first half when starter Nicole Theroux made an early exit due to an injury. Best played the remaining 49 minutes and did not allow a goal. She recorded one save in the game, that being on a penalty kick in the 74th minute to secure the 2-1 victory, her first collegiate win.
Â
On Sunday, Best started her third game of the season, faced 16 shots, but did not let one get by her en route to her first collegiate shutout (1-0) and second-straight win. She recorded six saves in the game.
Â
Through four appearances, including three starts, this season, Best has notched 10 saves and owns a 1.57 goals-against average.
Â
This is Best's first career weekly nod and the Bulldogs' second this season (Julia Glaser, Offensive Player of the Week, 9/5/16).
Â
The 'Dogs (5-3) begin MW play this Friday at Nevada (3-4), followed by a Sunday contest at UNLV (7-2). Fresno State returns home on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. PT as it faces rival San Diego State at the Fresno State Soccer and Lacrosse Field for Pack the Pitch Night. Kids can enjoy a bounce house and mini soccer field throughout the game and all fans have a chance to go home with prizes.
Â
Fresno State home matches always include free admission and parking in the Red Lot. The game on Sept. 30 will also air live on 1600 AM ESPN Deportes and the Mountain West Network.
Â
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
Â
"We are happy for Alex to get recognition for the difficult situations she faced," Fresno State head coach Brian Zwaschka said. "She had a big impact on our results, and it is down to the continued concentration of our whole goalkeeping unit being prepared for just such an occasion."
Â
Fresno State defeated St. Mary's (CA) 2-1 last Friday and Montana 1-0 on Sunday to extend its winning streak to a MW-best five games, its longest since 2008. The five-straight non-conference wins are the most in program history.
Â
"Our defense in front of Alex helped to make the game situations manageable and limit the danger," Zwaschka added. "But when she was called on, she was solid like we expected."
Â
Last Friday, the Studio City, Calif., native came into a tie game in the first half when starter Nicole Theroux made an early exit due to an injury. Best played the remaining 49 minutes and did not allow a goal. She recorded one save in the game, that being on a penalty kick in the 74th minute to secure the 2-1 victory, her first collegiate win.
Â
On Sunday, Best started her third game of the season, faced 16 shots, but did not let one get by her en route to her first collegiate shutout (1-0) and second-straight win. She recorded six saves in the game.
Â
Through four appearances, including three starts, this season, Best has notched 10 saves and owns a 1.57 goals-against average.
Â
This is Best's first career weekly nod and the Bulldogs' second this season (Julia Glaser, Offensive Player of the Week, 9/5/16).
Â
The 'Dogs (5-3) begin MW play this Friday at Nevada (3-4), followed by a Sunday contest at UNLV (7-2). Fresno State returns home on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. PT as it faces rival San Diego State at the Fresno State Soccer and Lacrosse Field for Pack the Pitch Night. Kids can enjoy a bounce house and mini soccer field throughout the game and all fans have a chance to go home with prizes.
Â
Fresno State home matches always include free admission and parking in the Red Lot. The game on Sept. 30 will also air live on 1600 AM ESPN Deportes and the Mountain West Network.
Â
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
Players Mentioned
Soccer Media Availability (8/4/25)
Monday, August 04
WSOC Highlight: vs. Air Force - Senior Night (10/24/24)
Friday, October 25
WSOC Highlight: vs. CSU Bakersfield [9/8/24]
Tuesday, September 10
WSOC Highlight: vs. Weber State (8/22/24)
Friday, August 23