After allowing more goals in nine games than in all of the 2016 season, the women’s soccer defense faced a three game homestand of critical PacWest matches. The defense stepped up their game with three straight 2-0 victories, thanks in part to the emergence of sophomore defender Colie Martin. Martin’s breakout started with a 2-0 victory over Hawaii Pacific University on Oct. 11, where she assisted the game-clinching goal by senior forward Samantha Verduzco. Martin scored her first goal as an Eagle on Oct. 14 when she fired a shot into the top corner of the net to put the Eagles ahead for good in their 2-0 win over Chaminade University. Her performance gained notice as she was named PacWest defender of the week on Oct. 16. She picked up where she left off later that day when she helped the Eagles hold University of Hawaii at Hilo to one shot on goal in another 2-0 victory. Martin has provided a needed edge to the Eagles with dangerous attacks and stout defending, allowing only eight shots on goal in three matches.

Stats (Last two games): 1 goal, 3 shots on goal