Sept. 19, 2006

WACO, Texas -- Baylor junior goalkeeper Ashley Holder has been named Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week for her performances this past weekend the conference office announced Tuesday. The honor marks the second time the goalkeeper has been named player of the week during her career and is the first time a Baylor player has been honored this season.

Holder put in a strong performance against UT-San Antonio and Samford as the junior recorded consecutive shutouts as Baylor posted a pair of 1-0 victories. The consecutive shutouts were the first for a Baylor soccer team since the Bears blanked Colorado (3-0) and Texas Tech (7-0) in 2001.

Holder made four saves in the victory over the Roadrunners and added five saves in the win over Samford as the junior has not allowed a goal at home this season. With the victories, Holder pushed her career shutout total to six, third on the Baylor all-time list, as she has posted a career-high three shutouts this season.

The honor marks the second time Holder has been named Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week during her career after she earned the distinction following her performances against Texas and Texas A&M during her freshman season in 2003.

Ashley Foster of Texas was named Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week as Kristin Andrighetto of Missouri was named Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Week.

Holder and the rest of the Baylor soccer team returns to action this weekend as the Bears host a pair of nationally-ranked conference rivals to open Big 12 Conference play. Baylor hosts No. 12 Texas A&M on Friday, Sept. 22, at 7:00 p.m. before a Sunday night meeting with No. 11 Texas on Sept. 24 at 7:00 p.m.