LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Biola Women's Soccer posted a very impressive defensive showing in its 3-0 win over Ottawa (Ariz.) in the NCCAA West Regional last Saturday. Cat Newberry captained a defense that prevented the Spirit from taking any shots-on-goal and added her second goal in as many games during the second half, resulting in the NCCAA's recognition of her on Monday as the DI Women's Soccer Defender of the Week.

"Cat is definitely our most consistent defender on the team and goes unnoticed for all the work that she does," said Head Coach Erin Brunelle. "I know her team relies on her being back there organizing and having confidence in her. So to be recognized at the national-level is huge."

Newberry and the Eagles' defense turned in a fourth-consecutive clean sheet on Saturday and will enter the NCCAA Women's Soccer Championships next week without having conceded a goal in Biola's last 447 minutes of play.

"Cat has a quiet confidence about the way that she plays and communicates well to make sure the players in front of her are doing their job," said Brunelle. "It's a goal of hers every game to walk away with a shutout so she does whatever she can to try to make that happen."

Newberry also scored the second goal of her collegiate career in the 68th minute of the victory, launching a direct kick from 25-yards out toward the upper-left corner of the frame and over the leaping save attempt from the OUAZ keeper. Newberry had not scored in her four years at Biola before Nov. 4 at Holy Names, but has now scored twice with the first shot she took in each match.

For more information on the NCCAA and the weekly honors please visit this link.