Cassie Black was named the Offensive Player of the Week in the Big Sky Conference for the second straight week (Photo: EWU Athletics)by EWU Athletics
Sophomore forward Cassie Black has done it again. As a starter for the Eastern Washington University women's soccer team, Black's offensive prowess is turning a lot of heads.
After doubling her total number of season points this past weekend from four to nine, Black was recognized by both the Big Sky Conference and College Sports Madness as Offensive Player of the Week. This is the second consecutive week she has garnered the Big Sky recognition and her first time receiving the accolade from College Sports Madness.
Black impressed with her performances against Idaho and Hawai'i this past weekend, adding two goals and one assist to her season total. On Friday (Sept. 14), Black broke through Idaho's defense and drove the ball into the back of the net, putting Eastern up 1-0 early in the second half. Ten minutes later, she sent a cross into the box that was netted by teammate Haley Stading for a 2-0 shutout – Eastern's first victory since 2008 against the former Big Sky rival.
When the Eagles faced Hawai'i on Sunday (Sept. 16), Black scored what proved to be the game-winning goal four minutes into the second half. She received an open pass from Hading just outside the six-yard box and sent it into the goal to give Eastern a 2-0 lead in its eventual 2-1 victory.
The Battle Ground, Wash., native leads the team with four goals in 2012, and a career total of 10. She also upped her shots on goal percentage to .684, with 13 of her 19 attempts falling on frame. Black has started all but two of Eastern's eight matches this year and contributed 438 total minutes of play.
The Eagles kickoff Big Sky competition this Friday (Sept. 21) at 4 p.m. against Weber State at the EWU Sports and Recreation Center Soccer Field in Cheney, Wash. Conference action continues on Sunday (Sept. 23), when the Eagles take on Idaho State at 11 a.m.
