Biola's Naranjo, Roldan Gonzalez earn WWPA Player of the Week honors

Biola University swept the first week of Western Water Polo Association Players of the Week awards following its first-ever victory against a ranked opponent.

WWPA Offensive Player of the Week

Two-time ACWPC All-American Veralie Naranjo started the 2024 season on an offensive high-note, combining for six goals against two ranked Division I opponents at Long Beach State's Beach Invite. The junior from Commerce, Calif. netted five of her first six shots of the season, drew a team-high four exclusions, and accounted for all but one Eagle score against No. 7 LBSU. She added a goal and an assist in BU's upset win over No. 24 Brown. Naranjo, a two-time All-WWPA selection, put together a .758 shooting percentage on the day.

Nominees: Keri Brooks, Salem; Veralie Naranjo, Biola

Jan. 15-21, 2024: Veralie Naranjo, Biola

WWPA Defensive Player of the Week

Maria Roldan Gonzalez played a key role on both ends of the tank for Biola at The Beach Invite. The graduate student from Sevilla, Spain had a key field block and followed it minutes later with the game-winner with seven seconds remaining. A 2023 ACWPC Honorable Mention All-American, Roldan Gonzalez led the Eagles with three goals in the game and helped stymie the Brown offense, holding them to just a single goal over the final 12:23 of the game. The WWPA Second Teamer finished the weekend with four goals, a .500 shooting percentage and three field blocks.

Nominees: Alexis Kilgroe, Salem; Maria Roldan Gonzalez, Biola

Jan. 15-21, 2024: Maria Roldan Gonzalez, Biola