AITKEN WINS SSC HONOR

Shannon Aitken was named SSC defensive player of the week after her 4-0 and 2-1 victories last week.

She has recorded five saves on six shots on goal this season.

MEN’S SOCCER WINS SEASON OPENER

Kevin Sierra scored the game-winning goal in the second overtime period on an assist from Ryan Maxwell. The Spartans defeated Thomas University 2-1.

Ricardo Cardoso also scored in the match, his first of the season.

Four red cards were issued in the game, with three going to Thomas and one to Cardoso.

SOCCER AS A SAVIOR

Sports fans would be wise to check out Steve Knauss’s interview with former UT soccer player Natasha Sackett. Sackett recounts how her soccer instilled in her a “will to win” that doctors credit with saving her life.

Sackett was injured last year in a scooter accident on Kennedy Blvd. She was training with the women’s soccer team and the team continues to support her. See “A Tale of Three Students” for the full story.