By Brandon Chinn, Athletics Communications Writer

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University defender Kevin Martin (Sr., Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA/Francis Parker School) has been selected as the Northwest Conference Men's Soccer Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts in the opening week of the 2013 season.

Martin was solid throughout the weekend on the defensive side as his play contributed to back-to-back shutouts for the Bearcats.

He also contributed mightily in the team's scoring efforts against Lawrence University (Wis.), recording two header goals during Bearcat corner kicks. Martin's first goal came at 24:05 when he knocked a header into the net from eight yards out on a corner kick by Austin Jacobson (So., MF, Salem, OR/South Salem HS).

His second goal, also a header, came on a corner kick from Trevor Jensen (Sr., MF, Chula Vista, CA/Bonita Vista HS) at 31:49. That goal also capped a scoring frenzy from Willamette, which featured four goals in just over seven minutes of play.

The Bearcats are off to a great start in 2013, defeating Howard Payne University (Texas) 4-0 last Friday night before shutting out Lawrence 7-0 on Sunday. These two wins also mark the program's first 2-0 start in over seven years.

Willamette looks to continue its winning ways on Saturday, Sept. 7 when the team hosts Carthage College (Wis.) at 12:30 p.m. (PDT). WU will then travel to take on Concordia University Sunday afternoon (Sept. 8). Kickoff of that in state rivalry game is set for 2 p.m.