JON HELGASON

UA freshman forward Candice Wilks attempts a pass during the Wildcats' game against Oregon State Sunday at Murphey Field. Wilks was named Pac-10 Player of the Week after her two game-winning goals last weekend.

Wednesday October 24, 2001

Candice Wilks got an added birthday present yesterday when she was named the Pacific 10 Conference Player of the Week for her two-goal performance during a weekend sweep.

The freshman midfielder/forward played a key role in UA's wins over Oregon and Oregon State. She turned 18 Saturday.

In Sunday afternoon's match against Oregon State, Wilks scored UA's sudden-death goal - one minute into play - to defeat Oregon State 2-1.

"It felt so good, and I was shocked," Wilks said.

In Friday's game against Oregon, Wilks scored the game-winning goal off an assist from freshman midfielder Vanesha Bailey.

Sophomore forward/defender Liz Bartlett scored UA's first goal from eight yards and Arizona defeated the Ducks 2-1.

Wilks is the third player in UA history to receive the honor and the second player this year.

UA senior Kristi Loro–a received the honor this season for the week of Sept. 4.

Loro–a set a school record by scoring five goals as she led the Wildcats to a 9-1 victory over Southern Utah Sept. 9.

Junior forward Chrissy Sanford was the first Wildcat to be named Player of the Week when she scored two goals and had two assists on Oct. 4, 1999.

While celebrating her 18th birthday, Wilks helped the Wildcats end a six-game losing streak in which they were shut out four times.

The weekend sweep also marked UA's first back-to-back wins against Pac-10 opponents and their first Pac-10 win since Nov. 5, 1999.

The Wildcats (5-7-1) improved their record to 2-2-0 in the Pac-10.

Sophomore forward/midfielder Sierra Cristiano was suspended indefinitely for violating team policies, UA head coach Cathy Klein announced Monday.

UA's second-year head coach refused to comment on the suspension but said that the Wildcats would not be affected by Cristiano's absence.

"I choose to focus on who's here," Klein said. "We may have to change a little but we won't (be hurt)."

Cristiano played in all 13 of the Wildcats' matches this season and started in 10 of those games.

She accounted for one assist and accumulated 16 shots.

Cristiano's replacement has not been determined, though Klein said that decision is going to be made based on players' day-to-day effort during practice.

The Wildcats continue Pac-10 play on the road this weekend against No. 20 Washington and Washington State.