By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - This past weekend, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire soccer team held their postseason banquet and handed out their team awards for the 2016 campaign.
Topping the awards in taking home both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year was goalkeeper Sammie Lefaive (Jr.-Coon Rapids, MN). Lefaive's .86 goals-against average ranked third in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). Her 94 saves and save percentage of .855 also led to her All-WIAC selection.
Earning the Offensive Player of the Year honors was Caroline Henderson (Sr.-Duluth, MN/East). Like Lefaive, Henderson too was named to the All-WIAC team, this being the third time in her career. She topped the Blugolds in goals with eight, points with 17, shots on goal with 18, shooting percentage (.348), and four game-winning goals.
Winning Freshman of the Year was a third player on that All-WIAC team, Emily Sullivan (Fr.-Medina, MN/Wayzata). Sullivan notched three goals (one a game-winner), eight points, and 14 shots on goal in her rookie year.
Additional awards included:
- Playmaker of the Year: Jocelyn Etten (Sr.-Elkhorn, WI/Elkhorn Area)
- Most Improved: Caitlin Kirchoff (Jr.-Hustisford, WI/Hustisford)
- Practice Player of the Year: Maddie Claeys (Fr.-Chaska, MN/Minnetonka)
- Golden Shoe: Danielle Jensen (Jr.-Mukwonago, WI/Mukwonago)
As a team, Eau Claire finished third in the WIAC with a 4-2-1 conference record and 8-9-2 overall record.
Follow all the action this season on Blugold Game Day.
