SEASIDE, Calif. — Cal State Monterey Bay goalkeeper Griffin Welch has been named the CCAA Defensive Player of the Week following a stellar week in goal that helped the Otters earn a pair of draws to open conference play.
 
Welch played all 180 minutes as CSUMB went unbeaten against Stanislaus State and No. 1 Cal State LA, allowing just one goal over the two matches for a 0.50 goals-against average.
 
The week began with a 1-1 road draw at Stanislaus State. Welch and the Otter defense limited the Warriors to just one shot on goal despite 12 total attempts. After Stanislaus State equalized in the 26th minute, CSUMB did not allow another shot on frame over the final 64 minutes.
 
Welch saved his biggest performance for Sunday against No. 1 Cal State LA, recording a six-save shutout as the Otters battled the nation's top-ranked team to a 0-0 draw at Cardinale Stadium.
 
CSUMB was forced to play with 10 men for more than 78 minutes after receiving a red card in the 12th minute. Despite the disadvantage, Welch and the Otter defense stood tall against sustained pressure from the Golden Eagles.
 
Welch made five saves in the opening half and finished with six as the Otters withstood 22 shots and seven corner kicks to keep Cal State LA off the scoreboard for the full 90 minutes.
 
The result made CSUMB the first team this season to prevent the Golden Eagles from earning a victory after Cal State LA entered the match with a perfect 6-0-0 record. The clean sheet was also Welch's second of the season.
 
For the week, Welch finished with 180 minutes played, six saves, one goal allowed, a 0.50 goals-against average and one shutout, helping the Otters earn two points to begin CCAA play.
 
The Otters return to action on the road to face Cal State San Marcos on Friday, Sept. 25.