Sept. 6, 2011

BERKELEY - Senior Katie Benz has been named the Bank of the West Pac-12 Women's Soccer Player of the Week, Commissioner Larry Scott announced Tuesday.

The forward was recognized after she posted four goals and one assist to lead California to victories over Kent State and Denver over the weekend to capture the Cal Invitational title. The Golden Bears defeated Kent State, 5-1, Friday and Denver, 4-2, Sunday. The Napa, Calif. native garnered MVP honors for her performance in the weekend tournament.

"A player's success is largely influenced by the team she has behind me," Benz said of her honor. "I work hard for my teammates and I would not be successful without them."

Benz recorded the first goal and added an assist in Friday's victory over the Golden Flashes. She accounted for three of the Bears' four goals in Sunday's win over Denver. Down early in Sunday's contest, Benz responded with back-to-back goals against the Pioneers to put the Bears in the lead for good before adding a third score in the 85th minute.

"We are all excited for Katie as she has worked so hard to get where she is," said Cal head coach Neil McGuire. "Katie is leading the team in every sense of the word."

Benz has scored a conference-best eight goals in six games and has averaged 1.33 goals per contest this season.

The conference player of the week honor is the first of Benz's career.

Cal returns to action this Friday, Sept. 9 against Long Beach State in Long Beach, Calif. at 4:30 p.m.