Texas Tech University Athletics
Kozarski Named Big 12 Freshman of the Week
October 27, 2020 | Women's Soccer
Freshman striker’s game-winner versus Iowa State nets her conference recognition.
IRVING, Texas – The Big 12 Conference announced Tuesday its weekly awards for week seven. Included in the list for the first time in her career was Gisselle Kozarski, whose game-winning goal against Iowa State earned her the title of Big 12 Freshman of the Week.
"We've been wanting a win so bad," said Kozarski, whose 42nd-minute strike clinched Tech its ninth Senior Night victory in a row. "I'm so glad I could be a contributor to that, and getting this recognition is an amazing bonus."
Kozarski's tally came three minutes before the end of a Tech-dominated first half of play Friday. The Red Raiders were having their way with the Cyclone defense in terms of creating chances, but the back of the net had yet to be hit. Kozarski entered in the 35th and had her chance just seven minutes later when two Iowa State defenders failed to clear a Kirsten Davis cross with their heads. The second header went straight up and bounced at the top of the box as Kozarski charged in. She one-timed it off the bounce with her left foot and sent it past the keeper, who had left her line in an attempt to claim it.
The Tech defense was as lockdown in the second half as it was the first. Kozarski's first goal as a college player would prove the winner.
"Being able to come into the game and score the winning goal for both the team and our seniors was such a great feeling," Kozarski said.
Kozarski is the third Red Raider to be recognized with a weekly award from the Big 12 this season and fourth to earn weekly honors of any kind. Madison Martin was named the Freshman of the Week in week two after shutting out Baylor in Tech's season opener, and Charlotte Teeter claimed Offensive Player of the Week honors in week four after a two-goal performance at Oklahoma. Additionally, defender Hannah Anderson has been recognized this fall by TopDrawerSoccer.com as a member of the publication's Sept. 22 Team of the Week.
"We've been wanting a win so bad," said Kozarski, whose 42nd-minute strike clinched Tech its ninth Senior Night victory in a row. "I'm so glad I could be a contributor to that, and getting this recognition is an amazing bonus."
First goal ?? ????????-????????????
— Texas Tech Soccer (@TexasTechSoccer) October 27, 2020
Rightfully rewarded. pic.twitter.com/Ymep0Dh05l
Kozarski's tally came three minutes before the end of a Tech-dominated first half of play Friday. The Red Raiders were having their way with the Cyclone defense in terms of creating chances, but the back of the net had yet to be hit. Kozarski entered in the 35th and had her chance just seven minutes later when two Iowa State defenders failed to clear a Kirsten Davis cross with their heads. The second header went straight up and bounced at the top of the box as Kozarski charged in. She one-timed it off the bounce with her left foot and sent it past the keeper, who had left her line in an attempt to claim it.
Off the bounce, in the net.
— Texas Tech Soccer (@TexasTechSoccer) October 24, 2020
We have the lead, @gissellekoz has her first collegiate goal. pic.twitter.com/W6jgdJGLgx
The Tech defense was as lockdown in the second half as it was the first. Kozarski's first goal as a college player would prove the winner.
"Being able to come into the game and score the winning goal for both the team and our seniors was such a great feeling," Kozarski said.
?? ?????? ???? ??????????????????
— Texas Tech Soccer (@TexasTechSoccer) October 24, 2020
The freshman is on the score sheet.
We are in the win column. pic.twitter.com/cmH2Udxy55
Kozarski is the third Red Raider to be recognized with a weekly award from the Big 12 this season and fourth to earn weekly honors of any kind. Madison Martin was named the Freshman of the Week in week two after shutting out Baylor in Tech's season opener, and Charlotte Teeter claimed Offensive Player of the Week honors in week four after a two-goal performance at Oklahoma. Additionally, defender Hannah Anderson has been recognized this fall by TopDrawerSoccer.com as a member of the publication's Sept. 22 Team of the Week.
Players Mentioned
Defender
/ Women's Soccer
Forward
/ Women's Soccer
Forward
/ Women's Soccer
Goalkeeper
/ Women's Soccer
Midfielder
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