BOSTON, Mass. – The UMass Lowell women's soccer team earned a total of five America East postseason awards, announced by the league office on Friday afternoon.
Graduate student
Calliste Brookshire (Kingston, Mass.) and junior
Hilary Jaén (Las Margaritas, Panama) were named to the America East All-Conference Second Team, while freshmen
Gaby Eckroth (Mechanicsburg, Pa.) and
Nuala Rodgers (Dedham, Mass.) earned All-Rookie Team honors. Brookshire also garnered a spot on the league's All-Academic Team to round out the awards.
"I'm proud of our awards recipients and for being recognized for their continuous hard work, said Head Coach
Mira Novak. "While the recognition goes to them, they play a team sport and I'm proud of the team for putting them in this position to succeed."
Brookshire currently leads the team with 14 points on four goals and six assists, with 38 shots taken. She has started in all 17 matches, logging 1220 minutes. Not only does she stand out on the turf, but she excels in the classroom, as well. Brookshire will be graduating in May with her master's degree in Business Administration. This will be Brookshire's third America East postseason award.
"Cal has been one of the most consistent performers over the last five years and contributed offensively in every single one of those years and will be leaving the program holding the UMass Lowell Division I program record for assists. I'm proud of the career sheet she's had here."
Jaén ranks third on the team in points with five. She has scored two goals this season with one assist and taken 11 shots, as part of the River Hawks' backline. This junior transfer has played in 15 contests, making 13 starts to record 903 minutes.
"Hillary has adjusted well. She showed her versatility and contributed significantly on both sides of the ball this year."
Eckroth has earned six points this season, ranking second on the team. She has notched two goals, two assists, and 11 shots. Eckroth has seen time in 13 contests, making a rather large impact on the River Hawks' performances.
Rodgers is a steady piece to UMass Lowell's midfield. She has played in all 17 games, making 13 starts to log 1040 minutes. Rodgers had a career-high of 90 minutes versus Vermont this season, to help take down the Catamounts.
"I'm happy for freshmen for getting recognized as well because it's not easy to make the transition from high school to college. Our whole freshman class contributed significantly on the field, which doesn't go unnoticed."
The River Hawks will start postseason action when they host Bryant in a quarterfinal matchup on Sunday, November 3 at 3 p.m.
