Nov. 9, 2005

FULLERTON, CA - Cal State Fullerton junior captain Lauryn Welch was named to the Soccer America National Team of the Week on Wednesday after her exploits helped the Titans into the NCAA Tournament.

Welch, who was also named the Big West Conference Tournament MVP and earned a spot on the All-Big West First Team, was recognized for the first time in her career by the national publication and is the second Titan to be honored this season.

Senior Marlene Sandoval was named to both the Soccer America and Soccer Buzz teams of the week on Sept. 7 and was honored by Soccer Buzz on Sept. 21.

Welch scored three times this past weekend to help Fullerton to the league's tournament title and automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament, netting the game-winning goals against both Pacific and UC Riverside, and adding a second goal in the championship match against the Highlanders.

The junior from La Mirada, Calif., entered the season with three goals in her previous two seasons, but now leads the team in scoring with a career-high eight goals and four assists for 20 points.

Welch has scored goals in each of her last three matches and five of her last seven, while netting four game-winning goals this season.

Cal State Fullerton returns to the pitch this Friday (Nov. 11) against UNLV in a first-round NCAA Tournament match-up at Titan Stadium. The match will kick-off approximately 30 minutes following the first game of the night which features Southern California and Gonzaga.