Fletcher Named Big 12 Rookie of the Week

Aug. 23, 2011

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Following an impressive showing during opening weekend, Kansas soccer freshman Jamie Fletcher has been named the Big 12 Soccer Rookie of the Week for games played Aug. 19-21, it was announced by the league office Tuesday.

The KU forward had a great start to her college career collecting three goals in two starts to kick off the 2011 season. Fletcher’s three goals were the most ever in a KU freshman debut and the most to start a season since Caroline Smith tallied five goals in the first two contests of the 2003 season. The three scores lead the conference, while her 11 shots and six points are also tops in the Big 12.

Fletcher began the year with the Jayhawks’ lone goal versus Tennessee in the season-opener, where she buried a left-footed shot from just outside the box in the 14th minute. The freshman forward took five shots in the game, four of which were on frame. The Albuquerque, N.M., native sharpened her aim in Sunday’s contest as two of her four shots on goal found the back of the net to help lead Kansas to a 4-1 victory versus Arkansas. Trailing 1-0 after 16 minutes, Fletcher evened the scoreboard a mere four minutes later when she connected on a loose ball bouncing around in front of the goal following a corner kick. She then gave Kansas the lead three minutes after halftime on a deflection from teammate Caroline Kastor, which Fletcher quickly buried into the back of the net.

Fletcher becomes the first Jayhawk to earn conference newcomer of the week accolades since Shelby Williamson earned the award on Nov. 3, 2009.

Kansas soccer is back in action this weekend, Aug. 26-28, when it travels to San Diego, Calif., for the USD Tournament. KU will face USC Friday night at 7 p.m. CST before taking on host San Diego Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.