Three seniors named to All-League teams
11/3/2009 10:30:00 AM | Women's Soccer
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Patriot League announced its Women’s Soccer All-League teams and major award winners on Tuesday, and three Lehigh seniors received All-League recognition for their efforts on the pitch. Midfielder Liz Carlos and defender Hailey Coonrad earned spots on the first team, while forward Natalie Hojnacki earned second team honors for the Mountain Hawks, who recently wrapped up a 9-4-5 season with a 1-0 win over rival Lafayette on Saturday.
Coonrad becomes the lone multi-time All-League selection of the three as she captured first team honors for the first time to go along with a second team selection as a freshman in 2005. A fifth-year senior and three-time team captain, Coonrad anchored Lehigh’s defensive unit from her center back position. With Coonrad often marking opponents top scoring threats, Lehigh posted nine shutouts in 2009, including four against Patriot League foes. The Ramsey, N.J. native delivered one point on the offensive end with an assist in the Mountain Hawks’ 4-1 win over regular season champion Colgate.
Carlos earned the first all-league nod of her career after leading the Mountain Hawks in goals, assists and points. The Southbury, Connecticut native ranks fifth in the Patriot League with six goals and is fourth in the league in both assists (five) and points (17). Four of Carlos’ goals and ten of her points came against Patriot League foes, including both goals in Lehigh’s 2-0 win over American. Carlos finished with three game-winning goals including the game-winner in Lehigh’s season-opening upset of Nebraska.
The lone Mountain Hawk named to the second team, Hojnacki enjoyed a successful season as Lehigh’s go-to forward and the team’s second leading scorer. Hojnacki finished with four goals and three assists for 11 points. The Williamsville, N.Y. native was credited with two game-winning goals, scoring in Lehigh victories over Quinnipiac and Colgate. Lehigh’s 2009 co-captain alongside Coonrad, Hojnacki ranks in the top ten in the league in goals and points.
Also on Tuesday, the Patriot League announced its major award winners. Student-athletes from each of the four schools that qualified for the Patriot League tournament earned major awards. Bucknell’s Christa Matlack was named the league’s Offensive Player of the Year, while American defender Frederike Engel was named Defensive Player of the Year. Goalkeeper of the Year honors went to Navy’s Beth Reed, and Colgate goalkeeper Ashley Walsh was named the league’s Rookie of the Year. Coach of the Year honors went to American’s David Bucciero.
