NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana goalkeeper Breno Zanolla was chosen Red River Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week in men's soccer for Oct. 9-15.
        The RRAC announced Monday the award, Zanolla's second this season.
        Zanolla, a sophomore from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and a transfer from St. Louis Community College, was in goal for XULA's 2-0 victory Thursday at Our Lady of the Lake and 3-0 victory Saturday at Texas A&M-San Antonio. He produced 11 saves and, against TAMUSA, passed to Gustavo Oliveira after a save for XULA's final goal.
        Zanolla has five shutout victories this season, and he leads the RRAC in save percentage and goals-against average.
        Next for the Gold Rush: 3:30 p.m. Thursday against Houston-Victoria, then 11:30 a.m. Sunday against Huston-Tillotson — both RRAC home games at Lafreniere Park in suburban Metairie, La. Women's games will start 2 1/2 hours before the men's. Admission is free.
        The XULA men are 8-1 in the RRAC and tied for first place with Louisiana Christian. Overall the Gold Rush, a first-year varsity program, are 9-2.

Breno Zanolla photo by Yamlak Tsega