Sept. 1, 2008

FULLERTON, CA - Cal State Fullerton senior defender Jenae Gibbens made the Titans 2-for-2 in weekly honors from the conference office as she was named the Big West Conference Player of the Week on Monday afternoon.

Gibbens was named the league's player of the week for the second time in her career after earning her first award on Sept. 17, 2007. She follows teammate Shannon Simpson, who was named the Big West's first player of the week for the 2008 season on Aug. 25.

Gibbens earned Most Valuable Player honors at the 14th annual California Invitational last weekend in Berkeley, Calif., scoring the overtime game-winning goal against the host and nationally ranked Golden Bears in the Titans' 3-2 victory.

She then put both of her shots on goal in Sunday's championship match against Saint Mary's while also leading a defense that held the Gaels to just two shots on goal in the 2-0 Fullerton win.

Off to their best start since 2003, the Titans (3-0 overall) jumped into the national rankings this week, standing at No. 21 according to Soccer America pollsters. It is the first appearance in the national rankings for Cal State Fullerton since it was ranked No. 17 by Soccer America and No. 14 by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America in September of 2006.

After three straight road matches to begin the 2008 season, Fullerton competes in front of the hometown fans for the first time this weekend, hosting Alabama and No. 12 Santa Clara at Titan Stadium.

The Titans and Crimson Tide meet on Friday night (Sept. 5) at 7:30 p.m., while the clash with the Broncos will kick-off on Sunday (Sept. 7) at 1 p.m.