Aug. 22, 2011
BERKELEY - Forward Lauren Battung opened her junior in typical Battung fashion - leading the team with two goals en route to a 1-1-0 record during the first weekend of play - making her this week's California Muscle Milk Student-Athlete of the Week.
Last season, Battung was second on the squad with seven goals and she demonstrated that not much has changed in between seasons. She led the team in goals scored (two) and shots taken (nine). The Simi Valley, Calif., native tallied Cal's sole score in the home opener on Friday, a 2-1 loss to Pepperdine. She scored first on Sunday against San Diego State to energize her team, with the Bears going on to win that match, 2-1, in overtime.
With her team down by one score on Friday against the Waves and less than five minutes remained in regulation, Battung seized an opportunity and scored with Mekenna DeBack and Katie Benz assisting.
On Sunday, after pressing for much of the game, the Bears finally caught a break with 30 remaining in regulation. Danielle Brunache dribbled her way around two SDSU forwards, deep in Aztec territory. Clearing the ball with one swift kick, Brunache found a streaking Battung on the far side. With a keen eye on the goal despite three Aztec defenders and the goalkeeper coming out, Battung sent the ball into the back right corner with ease.
2011-12 California Muscle Milk Student-Athletes of the Week
