Welch Named Big 12 Freshman of the Week

NORMAN — Oklahoma defender/midfielder Paige Welch has been named the Big 12 Freshman of the Week after tallying the game-winning goal against Oklahoma State last weekend, the conference announced Monday.

The Austin, Texas, native headed in the deciding score in the 72nd minute off a corner kick from senior Laura Rayfield. The goal was the second of the season for Welch. With the win, OU swept the Bedlam series for the first time and secured its first undefeated home record in program history.

This marks the fourth time a Sooner has received a weekly conference honor this season. Junior goalkeeper Kassidie Stade earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week recognition on Sept. 29 and Oct. 27, while Kaylee Dao also earned the freshman honors on Oct. 6.

The Sooners will open postseason play on Wednesday afternoon in Kansas City, Mo., facing No. 5 seed Texas Tech at 2 p.m. CT. Earlier this season, OU and the Red Raiders played to a scoreless double overtime draw in Norman. The match will broadcast live on the Big 12 Digital Network, with the winner advancing to semifinal play on Friday.