Nov. 5, 2008
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Big Ten office announced the 2008 All-Big Ten and All-Freshman women's soccer teams, as well as individual award winners today. Representing Penn State on the first team was junior forward Katie Schoepfer (Waterford, Conn.), senior midfielder Zoe Bouchelle (Cockeysville, Md.), senior defender Jessie Davis (Fairfax, Va.) and junior goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher (Seymour, Conn.). Earning their first Big Ten honors were freshman midfielder Meghan Gill (State College, Pa.) on the second team and freshman defender Emma Thomson (Retford, England).
Schoepfer has continued her dominance as a striker this season. She has scored 10 goals and tallied five assists for the Nittany Lions and still holds the top spot in the Big Ten for shots at 89. She has netted four game-winners throughout the 2008 campaign, two of which were in conference matches. Previously this season, Schoepfer was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for Oct. 20 and earned recognition on the Soccer America Team of the Week. She was also a selection to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Second Team.
Bouchelle has started 18 games this season scoring two goals and adding one assist. She also scored the game winning goal against Michigan. In addition to leading the offense she has played a pivotal role on defense and is consistently in the right place at the right time. Previously this season, Bouchelle was a selection to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District First Team and is now eligible to earn her second Academic All-America honor. The conference office also announced honorees from each team for the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. The student-athletes chosen are individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. Bouchelle was selected as the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award winner from Penn State
Davis has piloted the defense to 10 shutouts throughout the 2008 campaign. Because of her efforts, the Nittany Lions were the least scored upon team throughout Big Ten Play. Previously this season, Davis was a two-time selection to the Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Week and earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors for Oct. 27. She was also a selection the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Second Team.
Naeher has been crucial to the Nittany Lions' success in goal. The net-minder stands third in the Big Ten for saves at 76. She has amassed a low .53 goals against average, and has collected 3.25 saves per game throughout conference play. She is also credited with eight of the team's 10 shutouts. Previously this season, Naeher has been the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for Oct. 20 and was then named to the Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Week.
Gill made a big statement for the Lions scoring the only goals in the first two conference games. Her game-winners against Indiana and Northwestern propelled her to more playing time as she scored her third goal against Minnesota.
Thomson saw time as a defender in her freshman campaign. Her speed and agility allowed her to keep the ball moving forward as she collected two assists and eight shots throughout the season.
The Nittany Lions will kick off Big Ten Tournament play tomorrow at 5 p.m. with a match against No. 8 seed and host Iowa. Fans can follow the action live at www.GoPSUsports.com