Nov. 14, 2011

BERKELEY - Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Kathleen Messinger made the winning save on a penalty kick to help power her California women's soccer team to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, making her this week's California Muscle Milk Student-Athlete of the Week.

Messinger was inserted into the match for the most crucial time of the contest and delivered for the Bears. After a 1-1 draw was forced to be settled with a five-round penalty-kick shootout in Saturday's NCAA first-round match at No. 11 Santa Clara, Messinger replaced starting goalkeeper Emily Kruger between the posts.

Cal held a 4-3 edge in successful penalty kicks heading into Santa Clara's fifth and final attempt. Messinger came up with the diving save on the Bronco's final attempt, sealing the upset victory for the Bears. They now advance to the second round of the NCAA Championship for the second time in the past three seasons.

Saturday was just Messinger's fifth appearance in a match all season.

2011-12 California Muscle Milk Student-Athletes of the Week