2012 All-GNAC Women’s Soccer Teams Announced
BOSTON, Mass. – The Great Northeast Athletic Conference has announced the 2012 All-GNAC Women's Soccer Teams and major awards following the completion of this weekend’s championship in which Lasell College claimed the title following a 2-0 victory over Simmons College.
BOSTON, Mass. – The Great Northeast Athletic Conference has announced the 2012 All-GNAC Women's Soccer Teams and major awards following the completion of this weekend's championship in which Lasell College claimed the title following a 2-0 victory over Simmons College.
Lasell sophomore forward Bridget Lynch (Dover, N.H.) has been named the 2012 GNAC Player of the Year after putting together an electric offensive season. The forward leads the conference in points (51) and goals (23) while ranking tied for 11th in assists (5). Lynch registered at least a goal in 13 of her 19 contest this season including eight multi-goal outings. From Sept. 22-29, the Dover, N.H. native put on an offensive show in conference play, racking up 15 points over three GNAC matches. Her 23 total goals not only leads the GNAC but also is tied for the sixth highest total in the nation heading into the NCAA tournament.
University of Saint Joseph (CT) freshman goalkeeper Melissa Dodge (Watertown, Conn.) has been named the GNAC Defensive Player of the Year after helping the Blue Jays claim the regular-season title with a 10-1-1 mark. The rookie was a wall in net all year long, posting an incredible .942 save percentage which not only leads the GNAC but ranks second in the nation among NCAA DIII goalkeepers. Dodge accumulated 98 saves on the year while only surrendering six goals. The Watertown, Conn. native posted 12 victories while collecting a league-best nine shutouts on the season. Her 0.38 goals against average was also a league-low.
The Blue Jays would also garner the 2012 GNAC Rookie of the Year as freshman midfielder Sara Barnick (Watertown, Conn.) has earned the honor. Barnick capped her rookie campaign with 19 points on eight goals and three assists. The midfielder's eight scores were tied for ninth most in the GNAC while her 19 points ranked tied for 11th. Four of Barnick's goals were game-winners with two coming in GNAC action and a third coming in a 1-0 victory against the regional powerhouse of Eastern Connecticut State University. The Blue Jays posted an 8-0 record in games in which the freshman notched a point, outscoring opponents 32-0 in those contests.
USJ head coach Chris LeGates has been named the GNAC Coach of the Year after leading the Blue Jays to a 14-2-2 overall mark. Behind his leadership, USJ cracked the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Regional Rankings while leading the Blue Jays to a 10-1-1 regular season mark in conference play to earn the regular season title and No. 1 seed in the GNAC tournament. This marks the fifth time that LeGates has been named the GNAC Women's Soccer Coach of the Year.