LAKELAND – After dazzling in a 1-1 draw with two-time reigning national champion Daytona State College, Polk State Soccer goalkeeper Sofia Zapata has earned statewide recognition.

Zapata was honored on Tuesday as the FCSAA Goalkeeper of the Week. Zapata held the second-ranked Falcons scoreless for more than 89 minutes in the September 23 draw.

"Sofia came up huge for us, making one incredible save after another," Head Coach Dee Shivraman said. "I've been coaching for a long time, and it was one of the best performances I've ever seen from a goalkeeper."

The Eagles were outshot 28-5 in the contest, but thanks to Zapata and a goal from Riley Whale, Polk State led for most of the way. Zapata set a career-high with 10 saves.

"Sofia's performance against that level of competition shows the caliber of student-athlete that we have here at Polk State," said Randy Lee, Director of Athletics. "Her effort against the reigning national champion shows that our programs can compete with anyone."

For the season, the freshman from Orlando leads the FCSAA with 33 saves. Zapata and Polk State will close September on Wednesday with a road match at No. 12 Eastern Florida State College.

"The performance from Sofia and her teammates was incredible to watch," Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas said. "I'm very proud of Sofia and our student-athletes for the grit and determination they showed against one of the best teams in the nation."