Three Trojans Honored by Conference, Engle Tabbed Freshman of the Year

Posted: Nov 05, 2014

ROCK HILL, S.C. - After Anderson University women's soccer saw its 2014 season come to an end on Tuesday, juniors Faith Johannes and Mariana Poveda and freshman Lyssa Engle were honored by the South Atlantic Conference on Wednesday as Engle headlined the trio with SAC Freshman of the Year honors.

Johannes and Engle found spots on the All-SAC First Team at the defender and forward position, respectively. After AU went without a player on the first team a season ago, the Trojans land two on the All-SAC First Team for the first time in program history, as the tandem joins alums Krystal Goss (2012) and Kaitlyn Neipp (2011) as first-team honorees.

"I am absolutely delighted with this recognition for the girls," Anderson head coach Ciaran Traquair said. "One of my goals when taking over this program was to have postseason awards become the norm and to be our standard. We want the team to get recognition for the hard work they put forth and we want our standout individuals to compete with the best in the country."

Johannes, who was picked to the Preseason All-SAC Second Team prior to the start of this season, earns a spot on the first team after being named to the second team a season ago. The Las Vegas, Nev. native started in all 18 matches this season and tied for second on the team with four goals. Johannes, who was named captain with teammate Emily Cowan, closed the year with 12 points, while her contributions to the AU backline led to four shutouts.

The defender headlined her season with a two-goal performance in a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Brevard on Oct. 22. Johannes also totaled three assists in a 4-2 triumph over Carson-Newman, sealing AU's spot into the SAC Tournament.

"Faith has been a true captain in leading this young group and it's fitting that she is an all-conference first team selection," Traquair said. "I hold her to such a high standard because she has the potential to be an All-American selection. I hope this is the beginning of the journey towards just that next season. She deserves this as I feel she is the best central defender in the conference."

Engle becomes the first Trojan to earn SAC Freshman of the Year honors after scoring a team-high 11 goals on the season. The Fairborn, Ohio native became the first Anderson player to score double figure goals since April Phillips scored 13 in 2002. Earlier this season, Engle was awarded the AstroTurf Co-SAC Player of the Week honor after scoring five goals in a week, headlined by a four-goal performance against Mars Hill on Sept. 27. With the Player of the Week honor, Engle became the first Trojan since Allie Waters in 2011 to garner the weekly award.

The forward's season was highlighted by scoring all of Anderson's goals from Sept. 24-Oct. 4, tallying six goals in the span. Through Oct. 3, Engle had scored more goals than four SAC teams.

"Lyssa has carried a lot of responsibility as a freshman and scored a lot of big goals for us," Traquair said. "She is learning every day and I'm hopeful she will turn into a phenomenal striker that has many good qualities in her game. I'm so proud of the team for the hard work and commitment in games to create opportunities for Lyssa and it's an even bigger achievement being our first-ever Freshman of the Year in program history."

Poveda becomes the second player in as many years to earn a spot on the all-conference honorable mention list. The Cartago, Costa Rico native started in 17 of the team's 18 contests and totaled three points from the defensive midfielder position. Poveda closed the season as one of four Trojans with 30 or more shots, notching 30 in 17 matches.

"Mariana joined us a week after preseason as a last minute transfer so it speaks volumes of her quality that she settled in so quickly," Traquair said. "She is a great person and a fantastic soccer player that has really helped us build our system of play and style. Her work rate and desire are the same every day and I couldn't ask for anymore from her this season."

The three players honored matches last season's total as Johannes led the way with a second-team nod.

2014 South Atlantic Conference All-Conference

First Team All-Conference
F - Jade Montgomery, Wingate
F - Brooke Howell, Wingate
F - Lyssa Engle, Anderson
F - Taylor Lewis, Tusculum
MF - Garcelle Alequine, Lenoir-Rhyne
MF - Fernanda Miaci, Lincoln Memorial
MF - Gabrielle Brodie, Newberry
MF - Kaitlyn Brunworth, Wingate
D - Elise Sanchez, Newberry
D - Faith Johannes, Anderson
D - Briana Belsky, Lenoir-Rhyne
D - Helen Seed, Carson-Newman
GK - Liz Morris, Coker

Second Team All-Conference
F - Kate Weisner, Catawaba
F - Nicole McKinney, Lincoln Memorial
F - Casey Marlin, Lenoir-Rhyne
F - Leah Mullins, Lenoir-Rhyne
MF - Emmi Dunn, Lenoir-Rhyne
MF - Gabrielle Whitt, Tusculum
MF - Mikayla Gregg, Carson-Newman
MF - Caitlyn Rodrigues, Queens
D - Erin Feldman, Catawba
D - Ashley Osiecki, Queens
D - Macy Franklin, Wingate
D - Olivia Kilgore, Tusculum
GK - Ashlyn Hardie, Wingate (tie)
GK - Bethany Davis, Catawba (tie)

Honorable Mention All-Conference
F - Olivia Thompson, Lincoln Memorial
F - Brenna Kate-Grass, Queens
F - Katherine Nichols, Brevard
F - Michelle Hunter, Lincoln Memorial (tie)
F - Maleya Garrison, Carson-Newman (tie)
MF - Breanna Naranjo, Newberry
MF - Bre Tate, Mars Hill
MF - Rachael Jonas, Newberry
MF - Naomi Matley, Wingate (tie)
MF - Mariana Poveda, Anderson (tie)
D - Krista Holka, Lincoln Memorial
D - Alexis Griffis, Brevard
D - Lizzie McNamara, Lenoir-Rhyne
D - Amber Madriaga, Lenoir-Rhyne