SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Samford sophomore forward Kaley Blanton has been chosen as the Southern Conference women's soccer player of the week for all matches from August 30 through September 5.

Blanton was recently switched from a backup midfielder to a starting forward and scored a pair of goals in her first two games at the position.

In her first collegiate contest at forward, the native of Mandeville, La., scored a goal and added an assist in Samford's 4-0 victory against Southern Miss on Friday. On Sunday, Blanton proved to be even more valuable as she tallied the game-winning goal in the Bulldogs' 1-0 win over UAB. She scored the decisive goal during the 13th minute of play to help Samford improve to 2-2-1 on the season.

Other Nominees: Jessica Smith (Furman), Kimmie Krauss (Elon), Laura Serafino (The Citadel), Caroline Clarke (Appalachian State), Kelly Gautreaux (College of Charleston), Kelsey Kearney (UNCG) and Nikki Seibert (Wofford).

2010 SoCon Women's Soccer Players of the Week

Aug. 31       Kelsey Kearney, UNCG

Sept. 7       Kaley Blanton, Samford