Eight AU Women's Soccer Players Named to All-Patriot League Teams

Nov. 8, 2007

WASHINGTON - After wrapping up regular season play with an unbeaten 4-0-3 record, American University women's soccer led the conference with eight All-Patriot League selections, league officials announced Wednesday.

First Team members include senior captain Annette Scott, sophomore forward Kelsey Brasher and freshman defender Friederike Engel. Krystn Hodge, Erin Stebbins, Irene Karistinos, Olivia Heditsian and Kelsey Wiggins are representatives of the second team.

The staple of an Eagle defense that ranks first in the Patriot League in goals allowed with a 0.83 average, Scott earns First Team honors for the first time in her career. The defender led a defense that surrendered just four goals in league play and 15 overall. In the 2007 season, Scott registered an assist in AU's season opener against Manhattan (4-1, AU). In her previous three season with the Eagles, Scott has been named to the Second Team All-Patriot League and has accumulated seven points in her career, coming off one goal and five assists.

Brasher earns First Team All-Patriot League for the first time of her career. The sophomore forward was explosive this season, ranking first on the team and second in the conference with 29 points, combining 13 goals with three assists. Brasher registered points in 11 out of 18 games this season, tallying a career-high six points in American's home opener. Brasher was honored as the Patriot League BRINE Offensive Player of the Week twice this season.

Rounding out the first team selections is Engel. Engel is just one of two freshmen to be named First-Team All-Patriot League after an impressive inaugural season as an Eagle. The rookie defender played in 15 games this season, totaling 30 shots and two goals, one of which was a game-winner. She was also a key component of a defensive unit that only surrendered 15 total goals during the 2007 season. Engel was named the Patriot League BRINE Rookie of the Week once this season.

After walking on the team mid-season last year, Hodge was a major contributor on the field this year. Playing in all 18 games and starting 12, the junior forward combined nine goals with four assists for 22 points. Hodge registered a career-high five points in American University's 3-1 win over local rival George Mason, scoring two goals and tallying an assist. Hodge leads the Eagles and ranks in the top of the Patriot League in game-winning goals with five. Hodge was named the Patriot League BRINE Offensive Player of the Week once this season and was also selected to the 2007 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Second Team. Hodge earns First Team All-Patriot League for the first time in her two years with the Eagles. Stebbins earned her first All-League recognition this season. The sophomore midfielder scored one goal this year, registering two points in the Eagles' 5-0 win over Lafayette. As a middie, Stebbins was key in the Eagles' transition game, both offensively and defensively.

The Eagles had two defenders on the second team, Irene Karistinos and Olivia Heditsian. Both defenders were integral parts of American University's backline. Karistinos was named Patriot League BRINE Defensive Player of the Week twice during the '07 season and also chipped in on the offensive end, registering four points on the year. Heditsian was solid as the last defender back for AU, leading a defensive unit that was feared by many opposing forwards.

After wrapping up regular season play with an impressive 0.59 GAA and a record of 5-1-3, Wiggins was named to the Second Team All-Patriot League squad for the first time in her career. Having played in and started all seven conference games this season, the sophomore goalkeeper has led American University women's soccer to an unbeaten record of 4-0-3 in league action. In Patriot League games, the Lone Tree, Colo., native has a 0.50 goals against average and a 0.824 save percentage, leading the league in both categories.

American University women's soccer clinched the No. 2 seed in the Patriot League Tournament and will face Navy on Friday evening at 4 p.m. in the semifinals. Earlier this season, the two foes drew to a 2-2 tie in double overtime.