University Southern California Trojans
Shea Buckner Named MPSF Player Of The Week
September 22, 2008 | Men's Water Polo
Sept. 22, 2008
USC junior Shea Buckner scored in all four games at the NorCal Tournament, finishing with seven total including a pair to help push USC to victory in the championship game against UCLA. For his defensive and offensive strength in USC's powerful run to the tournament title, Buckner has been named the MPSF Mikasa Player of the Week.
After two big USC wins on the first day of competition, Buckner scored four goals on the second day. The junior two-meter man netted two goals in a 10-3 win over Stanford -- USC's biggest win over the Cardinal since 1996 -- and then led the Trojans in scoring with two more in a 6-5 win over UCLA in the championship game. Buckner earned a key ejection in the fourth quarter against the Bruins, and scored on the power play to put USC ahead 5-4 in the game. On the defensive end, Buckner helped USC set a tournament record for fewest goals allowed, with only 10 goals scored against the Trojans in the four games. The NorCal Tournament win was USC's fourth consecutive championship at the tournament.
This is Buckner's second career honor as an MPSF Player of the Week, having won the award last season. He is the second Trojan to earn the award this year, joining Joel Dennerley as MPSF recipients.
