Oct. 29, 2010
Contact: Brian McCann
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Cleveland State was rewarded for its breakout women's soccer season as four members of the Viking squad were named to the All-Horizon League teams, which were announced on Friday by the league office.
Senior Kelly Zinkiewich and junior Natalie Daniels were each named to the All-Horizon League first team, becoming the first players in the seven-year history of the program to make the first team, while Zinkiewich was also tabbed as the Horizon League Goalkeeper of the Year. In addition, sophomore defender Valerie Stahl was named to the second team while freshman Frederike Dubeau was a member of the all-newcomer team.
"I couldn't be happier for this group, and especially Kelly," CSU head coach Derrek Falor said. "We have been an after thought as a team when the all-league teams have been chosen in the past so to see our players being rewarded after such a record-breaking season is very exciting.
"The primary reason why we have shown so much improvement since last year has been the stability in our lineup, especially in the defensive third, and I think that these selections show how much the rest of the league understands this.
"Our success this season is because we have played as a team and for every player who has been recognized, there are other players who are deserving in their own rights who appreciate the respect that these honors show," Falor added.
Zinkiewich, a senior from Oakeville, Ontario, has set CSU single season records for shutouts (7), goals against average (1.12) and save percentage this year and should topple her own school record for minutes played (1,697 in 2007) when she plays against Detroit on Saturday.
A four-year starter, Zinkiewich holds the CSU career records for saves (380), shutouts (15), minutes played (6,131) and goals against average, ranking fourth in Horizon League history in saves and fifth in minutes played.
"Kelly has been a rock on the back line all season," Falor said. "It is no coincidence that seven of our nine wins this year, and all five of our league wins, have been by a shutout because from the first day of practice in August she seemed driven to end her career with a great season."
Daniels, a junior midfielder from Olympia, Wash., has set school records for goals (9) and points (22) this season, adding four assists and a team-high 51 shots, allowing her to set school career records for goals (16), assists (12) and points (44). She is also second in shots on goal (73) and third in shots (117).
Daniels, a second team all-league choice in each of the last two seasons, started the year out right, scoring at least one goal in each of the first five matches to help CSU open the year with a 4-0-1 mark.
"Natalie has always been an outstanding offensive performer and because we have gotten better as a team around her, that has helped her to grow and develop this season," Falor said. "She excels at playing with the ball at her feet and her strength and accuracy shooting has made her a danger to score from anywhere in the offensive third."
Stahl, a sophomore from Everett, Wash., made the move from midfield to central defender this season, starting all but one match. She has scored two goals and taken nine shots but most importantly has led the Viking defense that has shattered the school record for fewest goals allowed in a season, giving up 23 scores to topple the old mark of 39 set in 2008.
Dubeau, a freshman from Kent, Wash., has played in all 18 matches as a central defender, starting 17 times. She has scored one goal.
"Our central defense has been outstanding this season," Falor said. "Valerie and Frederike play very well together and the differences in their styles have helped the defense come together. They do a great job of keeping the ball in front of them to limit the scoring chances of our opponents and they are almost never beaten on a ball in the air. I look forward to this duo playing together for two more years."
The Vikings open up Horizon League tournament play on Saturday (Oct. 30) against Detroit beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Krenzler Field.
2010 Horizon League Award Winners
First Team All-Horizon League
Sarah Hagen, Jr., F, Milwaukee
Natalie Daniels, Jr., M, Cleveland State
Katie Griswold, So., F, Butler
Sarah Talbert, Sr., M, Milwaukee
Brittany Persaud, Jr., M, Wright State
Maggie Doe, Sr., M, Loyola
Nicole Sperl, Sr., D, Milwaukee
Lauren Patterson, So., D, Wright State
Alexandra Suschak, Jr., D, Detroit
Jackie Hafele, Fr., M, Butler
Kelly Zinkiewich, Sr., GK, Cleveland State
Second Team All-Horizon League
Sarah Phelps, Sr., D, Butler
Keara Thompson, Jr., M, Milwaukee
Kaitlyn Quarrell, Fr., F, Detroit
Amber Kasmer, Sr., F, Wright State
Tricia Stonebraker, Fr., F, Loyola
Janine Lytle, So., D, Valparaiso
Valerie Stahl, So., D, Cleveland State
Bekah Bonny, Jr., M, Wright State
Allie Roufous, Sr., D, Loyola
Brooke Henderson, Jr., M, Valparaiso
Maddie Drusch, Jr., GK, Green Bay
All-Newcomer Team
Jackie Hafele, M, Butler
Tricia Stonebraker, M, Loyola
Frederike Dubeau, D, Cleveland State
Kaitlyn Quarrell, F, Detroit
Abby McCollum, F, Detroit
Allison Ludwig, F, Youngstown State
Brooke McCurdy, GK, Wright State
Nikki Hafele, M, Butler
Ashley Apazellar, D, Milwaukee
Olivia Colosimo, D, Butler
Nora Abolins, GK, Detroit
Player of the Year: Sarah Hagen, Milwaukee
Offensive Player of the Year: Sarah Hagen, Milwaukee
Defensive Player of the Year: Nicole Sperl, Milwaukee
Goalkeeper of the Year: Kelly Zinkiewich, Cleveland State
Newcomer of the Year: Jackie Hafele, Butler
Coach of the Year: Tari St. John, Butler
