Salas, Popov earn individual accolades


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The USC women’s golf team was ranked No. 1 throughout its 2010-11 season, and part of the reason for its success was the play of two golfers.

Greatness · Lizette Salas earned Pac-10 Player of the Year for the second time in her career and is USC’s first-ever four-time All-American. - Photo courtesy of Sports Information

Senior Lizette Salas was awarded the Pac-10 Player of the Year award, and freshman Sophia Popov was named the Pac-10 Freshman of the Year. Salas’ award marks the third year in a row a Woman of Troy has been named player of the year and the second time Salas has won the title. Jennifer Song won it in 2010.

“It was a complete shock,” Salas said. “I had no idea I was considered, especially since I didn’t win a tournament this year. I played pretty decent all season and I had great teammates and they brought out the best in me.”

Salas and Popov were named 2011 National Golf Coaches Association first team All-Americans in May, thanks to their performances at the NCAA competition, and were also named members of the All-Pac-10 First Team.

Salas had been ranked as high as No. 2 during the regular season and is USC’s only four-time All-American. She holds the fourth-best season average in school history, and her 14 career rounds in the 60s is second-most ever at USC.

While Salas’ impressive career at USC is ending, Popov’s is just beginning. She was also named the NCGA Freshman of the Year last month and won three titles this year, including the Pac-10 title.

“I knew she was going to get freshman of the year, just because she won three times and she is a great player and very intense on the golf course,” Salas said.

In addition to these two golfers, USC coach Andrea Gaston was named 2011 NGCA Coach of the Year.