RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The Southland Conference (SLC) announced on Tuesday that sophomores Mariana Amezcua and Sienna Church of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros women's soccer team are the SLC Goalkeeper and Defensive Players of the Week.
 
Amezcua and Church played massive roles in a UTRGV defense that has now combined for three straight shutout victories, including two this past week.
 
On Thursday, Amezcua shined against the Tarleton Texans, tallying a career-high eight saves in a 1-0 win. Amezcua was the star in UTRGV's first win over its former conference foe, improving the Vaqueros to 1-3-1 all-time against the Texans.
 
Amezcua faced a career high 19 shots, including eight on goal, holding a high-octane Tarleton offense to its only scoreless output of the season. Alongside Amezcua, Church played 90 minutes in the win.
 
Against Texas A&M International on Sunday, Church and the entire UTRGV backline impressed, shutting out the Dustdevils and not allowing a shot on goal. The Vaqueros needed every ounce of effort, winning 1-0.
 
In addition to her efforts defensively, Church contributed to the Vaqueros lone goal, launching a perfect free kick into the box for fellow sophomore Amy Romero to rise up and head in the game-winning goal.
 
These are the UTRGV's second and third player of the week honors through three weeks of the young season. Junior Isabella Burtini was named the SLC Offensive Player of the Week last week.
 
The Vaqueros hit the road to Pritchett Field for a Thursday match against the Sam Houston Bearkats, which is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
 
Fans can tune in domestically on ESPN+  or follow along through live stats.
 
UTRGV Women's Soccer's 2026 SLC Weekly Awards 
Isabella Burtini, SLC Offensive Player of the Week, Aug. 25
Mariana Amezcua, SLC Goalkeeper Player of the Week, Sept. 1
Sienna Church, SLC Defensive Player of the Week, Sept. 1
 
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