DENVER – University of Hawai'i women's soccer player Kanani Taaca has been named the Verizon Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the week of Oct. 4-10.

 

Taaca, a sophomore goalkeeper from Wai`anae, O`ahu (Kamehameha Schools- Kapalama), posted her third shutout of the season in a 1-0 victory at Fresno State on Sunday. The win over the Bulldogs snapped a nine-match winless streak for Hawai'i and gave UH its first WAC win of the season. Taaca also helped preserve a 1-1 tie at San Jose State with seven saves while playing all 110 minutes. On the week, Taaca posted one shutout, nine saves and one win.

 

It is the first career WAC honor for Taaca and the first for a Rainbow Wahine player this season. Chelsea Small of Idaho was the offensive recipient of this week's award.

 

Taaca and the Rainbow Wahine next play their third and final contest of their road trip as UH takes on Cal State Bakersfield in a non-conference match on Tuesday, Oct. 12. Kickoff is 7:00 p.m. PT (4:00 p.m. HT).