EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's soccer team announced their team awards this past weekend at their end of the year banquet. The UW-Eau Claire Blugolds finished the regular season record of 9-8-2 and finished 5th in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). After a first round upset over the #4 seed, UW-Whitewater, the Blugolds fell in overtime in the WIAC Tournament semifinals to the #1 seed, UW-Oshkosh.
The Team MVP award was given to Maddie Ames (Sr. - Shakopee, MN). With over 1,000+ mintues played in just 18 games, the outside defender helped the Blugolds earn four shutout wins and a 1.5 goals against average. During the WIAC playoffs, Ames scored the lone goal in round one to knock off the UWW Warhawks and help UWEC move on the semifinals.
Megan Hansen (Jr. - Andover, MN/Anoka) was awarded Offensive Player of the Year. Hansen led the team with 14 points, 6 goals and 2 assists, and 27 shots on goal. Hansen tallied one game winning goal and earned two multi-point games.
The Defensive Player of the Year went to Kiki Kussow (Jr. - Green Bay, WI/Norte Dame) after a solid season on the back line. While leading the team in minutes (1,611), Kussow kept a physical precense during the seaosn with 24 fouls throughout her 20 games played and five total team shutouts.
Emma Stange (Sr. - Andover, MN) earned Playmaker of the Year honors after tallying the second most points (13) on the team. Stange had a career high year with six goals and one assist in just 16 games.
The Most Improved award went to Vanessa Grunwald (So. - Suamico, WI/Pulaski), the Practice player of the year went to Lola Ruff (So. - St. Louis Park, MN), and the Golden Shoe award (unsung hero) was given to Lauren Talbot (Sr. - Anoka, MN).
In her first season, Elise Pinewski (Fr. - Anoka, MN) earned Rookie of the Year honors with two assists and eight shots on goal.
The Glory for Lori Award honors the student athlete who exemplifies excellence in soccer and is in memory of Lori Bembnister (Snieg). This year's Glory for Lori award was given to Anna Kautzman (Sr. - Champlin, MN). Kautzman led the Blugolds with five assists during the season, scored two goals, and played a total of 1,240 minutes in 20 games.
