WOMEN’S SOCCER

The Crossroads League announced its 2018 Women’s Soccer All-Conference teams and among the list of honorees are three Huntington University players.

Senior Matéa Knispel repeated as a First Teamer. The dangerous midfielder finished the season with a team-best ten goals to go along with four assists. She is irrefutably one of the league’s best as evidenced by ranking 6th among her peers in points per game (1.33) and goals per game (0.56).

Knispel currently sits 12th in the NAIA and 2nd in the CL in shots per game (6.00) and shots on goal per game (3.17). She wraps up her career in green and white as one of the program’s most prolific scorers by racking up 35 career goals and dishing out 15 assists.

“Matea had a break out season last year and this year was able to step back on the pitch and lead well,” said Coach Burge. “From the start of preseason to the final whistle in tournament, Matea led, encouraged and pushed her teammates well.

“As is the case with all our seniors, she will be greatly missed next year, but certainly has left a legacy on our program. Her love for her teammates and the Lord are evident in everything she does, it was a true honor to coach her.”

Earning an Honorable Mention All-Conference badge was junior Hannah Williams. As center back, Williams anchored Huntington’s backline that surrendered less than two goals per match.

“Hannah has stepped into every role and position we have asked her to since her first day in this program,” said Burge. “Not only that but she has done so expecting excellence from herself and striving every day to be the absolute best she can be.

“She was the glue that bound our defense this season, working to keep us organized and shut tight against some of the best teams in the country. Cliff has a strong season ahead as she steps into her senior year, without question she will continue to lead and love well.”

Joining Williams on the Honorable Mention team was freshman Courtney McKown. The rookie forward wasted little time establishing herself as an offensive threat. She finished the year as HU’s second leading scorer with five goals. She also handed out four assists to wrap up her first season with 14 points.

“As a freshman, Courtney worked diligently to keep us in the attack, even coming in as our second leading scorer on the team,” said Burge. “Her knack for finding the back of the net and challenging defenders kept other teams out of sorts, and kept us dangerous.

“Courtney will absolutely continue to be a threat during her career as she adjusts to the collegiate field and pushes herself and teammates daily.”

The Foresters finished the year with an overall record of 5-13-1.