Park University Gilbert's soccer programs take center stage for this week's Buccaneer Player of the Week award as we have co-winners for the second time this season. Defenseman Kiara Rubio of the women's team and goalkeeper Nick Lagesen of the men's team earned the honors as Co-Players of the Week for their efforts over the week of October 12-18.

The Buccaneer Player of the Week is voted on by the coaches, staff and faculty at Park Gilbert. The player with the most votes wins for the week. The award recognizes athletic excellence and good sportsmanship.

In a week with many impressive candidates, Rubio and Lagesen tied for the top spot.

Rubio scored two goals on the week, but none more important than the first of the two scores. With six seconds remaining on the clock and the score tied at 1-1, the Buccaneers had a free kick in Royals territory on the left touch line. Darienne Thompson laid the kick into the box perfectly as Rubio timed her jump perfectly to head the ball to the back of the net with 1.2 seconds to go to give the Buccaneers a 2-1 win and an important three points in the race for the GSAC playoffs.

She followed it up with another goal in the Bucs 4-0 triumph over Life Pacific on Saturday. She now has three goals on the season.

The women's soccer team is enjoying its best season in program history with 10 wins so far this season with three games remaining.

Lagesen was stellar between the pipes for the Bucs, winning both contests and allowing only one goal.

He made seven saves between the two games and the Bucs lead was comfortable enough on Saturday, he came out of the game to allow backup goalkeeper Braden Eustice time between the pipes midway through the second half.

Lagesen has helped to lead the Bucs to its best year in program history with 10 wins so far and its first GSAC postseason berth. He has set the school record for wins in a season (10) and has a stellar 1.64 goals against average.

Games on Tap this week:

Women's Basketball – vs. Navajo Tech, Thursday, Oct. 22, 5:30 pm at AAG

                                                   vs, Navajo Tech, Friday, Oct. 23, 12 pm at AAG

Men's and Women's Soccer –            

at The Masters', Thursday. Oct, 22 11 am & 1:30 p.m.

vs. Benedictine Mesa, Saturday, Oct. 24, 5 and 7:30 p.m. at AAG

Women's Volleyball – vs. Arizona Christian, Friday, Oct. 23, 6 p.m. at AAG