Casillas and Lightfoot Share Athlete of the Week Honors
September 30, 2003

Two UT Tyler freshmen share Patriot Athlete of the Week honors after outstanding performances last week.

Freshman defender Taylor Cassilas from Keller, Texas (Keller HS) scored a miraculous goal against conference opponent Mary Hardin-Baylor in the last overtime period to give UT Tyler a 2-1 victory, despite being down a man for over 45 minutes.

After a deflected shot that lead to a UT Tyler corner kick with 10 seconds left in the game, Taylor runs to receive the ball near the goal then sprints to place the ball down on the corner spot. He takes a step backwards, and with 4 seconds left on the clock he strikes the ball. The ball is driven toward the goal and proceeds to bend in directly from the corner kick, with only 2 seconds left in the game. The goal preserved a 7 game win streak by the Patriots and gave the new UT Tyler Men's soccer program it's 20th win since beginning competition last year.

The Patriots, 7-1 on the season and undefeated in ASC play, host Mississippi College and Louisiana College in weekend action at the UT Tyler Soccer Field.

Jessica Lightfoot, a freshman outside hitter from Scottsdale, Arizona (Desert Mountain HS) had 15 kills against East Texas Baptist and 14 against Mississippi College in last week's games at the Herrington Patriot Center.

"If you have watched UT Tyler Volleyball then you have most likely noticed this hard-hitting standout," said UT Tyler head coach Rachel Short.

"She has a tremendous amount of power for a freshman and is already well known in the conference for her ability to put the ball down," said Short. "She is exciting to watch and we are looking forward to the next four years with her."

UT Tyler travels to Dallas for a dual-match with the University of Dallas an Paul Quinn on Wednesday, before hosting The University of Texas of the Permian Basin on Saturday at 2:00 PM at the Herrington Patriot Center.

UT Tyler's head coaches select the athlete of the week.