IRVINE, Calif. - Freshman Sophia Locandro has been named the Big West Women's Basketball Player of the Week the conference office announced Monday afternoon.
 
Locandro was recognized after a monster performance that led UC Irvine to a pivotal 72-71 victory over second-place Hawai'i last Thursday. The 6-foot-3 forward finished with career-highs of 34 points and 11 rebounds, while adding three blocks and two assists against the Rainbow Wahine. She was 11-of-22 from the floor and 10-of-11 at the free throw line, all of which were season highs. Locandro also knocked down two triples on four attempts from beyond the arc.
 
The Australia native recorded UCI's first 30-point game of the season. It was also the program's first 30-point double-double since Camille Buckley in March 2014.
 
Locandro is averaging 10.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks on the year. Her numbers are even better in Big West play where she has put up 14.8 points, 7.3 boards and 1.6 blocks per game.
 
This is Locandro's first Big West weekly honor, and the second for UC Irvine this season.
 
UCI has clinched its seventh-straight Big West Tournament berth. The Anteaters are in fifth place, sitting a half-game back of UC Santa Barbara in fourth, and one game behind Cal State Fullerton and Hawai'i, who are tied for second.
 
The 'Eaters close out the regular season this week, hosting UC Riverside (March 5) and traveling to Cal State Fullerton (March 7).