EMPIRE 8 RELEASEROCHESTER, N.Y. (November 6, 2014) – The Stevens Institute of Technology women's soccer team (11-6) placed seven student-athletes on Empire 8 All-Conference teams, matching the mark set during the Ducks inaugural season in the conference in 2007.
Sophomore
Raba Nassif represented the Ducks on the first team with senior
Ann Heine, senior
Mariah Cleveland, and freshman
Kaitlin Goncalves being named to the second team. Junior
Carly Bean, senior
Bella Romano, and freshman
Lindsey Mahnken were named honorable mentions while sophomore
Delaney West was named Stevens' Sportswoman of the Year.
FIRST TEAM After being named Empire 8 Rookie of the Year in 2013, Nassif showed no signs of a sophomore slump with the second first team nod of her career. Nassif led the Ducks with 15 goals and 33 points, both of which were good for second in the conference.
SECOND TEAM Heine capped off a highly decorated career this season with a team leading seven assists to put her in a tie for third in the conference. Heinie was one of just three Ducks to start every game this season, and the all-conference nod makes it four for her career after a second team appearance in 2013 and first team appearances in 2012 and 2011.
In the midfield, Cleveland made her first all-conference appearance after starting 15 games for the Ducks and compiling nine points. Her three assists put her in a tie for second on the team as she was an integral part of setting up an offense that outscored opponents 35-19.
Defensively, Goncalves helped anchor a defense that allowed the fourth fewest goals in the conference. Goncalves was one of the three Ducks to start every game this season as she found a way to contribute offensively as well with two goals and three assists.
HONORABLE MENTION Bean is back on the all-conference list after an injury sideliner her 2013 season. Bean started 12 games for the Ducks, scoring and assisting once while connecting on nine shots on goal. Bean was named honorable mention and Rookie of the Year in 2011.
Romano is a first time all-conference performer after starting all 17 games for the Ducks this fall on a defense that allowed just nine shots per game. Romano provided the senior leadership on the back line all season while playing the most minutes on the team.
In goal, Mahnken burst onto the scene this season with five shutouts in 14 starts. Her .667 goals against average was the third best mark in the conference while her .855 save percentage was fourth best. The freshman keeper was previously recognized this season by the conference with two defensive player of the week awards.
MOVING FORWARD With season still left, the third seeded Ducks will battle second seeded Nazareth College tomorrow in the Empire 8 Conference Championship semifinals in Ithaca at 1:30 p.m. Live stats and audio are available on stevensducks.com.
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