Marshall University Athletics
Women's Soccer Announces Program's Accolades
5/7/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
May 7, 2009
Complete Release in PDF Format 
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Marshall University's head women's soccer coach Kevin Long announced the program's accolades for the 2008-09 season, Thursday. The Thundering Herd recognized four players with the player of the year, unsung hero, coach's award and player's player of the year awards.
Sophomore Erika Duncan (Easthaven, Scotland) earned the Herd's Player of the Year honor. Duncan concluded the season with 52 shots, 20 being on goal. Her shots from 2008 placed her fourth on the program's all-time single season shots list. In two years, Duncan has tallied 77 shots, which puts her eighth on the Herd's all-time career shots list. Duncan's nine season goals has her tied for fourth with Kassie Hollman's 2006 finish on the all-time single season goals list.
In the Conference USA rankings, Duncan finished tied for sixth in shots, second in points, and tied for second in goals. She ended as the leader in points per game, fourth in shots per game, and third in goals per game.
"This highly coveted award was given to Erika based on her relentless efforts on the attacking end," Coach Long said. "Although leading the team statistically, her attacking mentality was contagious and I am looking forward to seeing where the next two years will take her!"
Senior Stephanie Kot (Lindenhurst, N.Y.) was selected as the Unsung Hero of the team. Kot graduates as a four-time letterwinner and has appeared in 62 matches, with 32 starts. She has registered 10 shots and one goal for the Herd. Kot was named to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor roll in 2006.
"Steph continuously stepped up and without recognition or glory, did things for our team that were absolutely necessary for us to move forward," Coach Long said. "She led the team with great character and poise and I look forward to following her career after graduation."
Senior Ali Lizotte (Iron Station, N.C.) earned the Herd's Coach's Award. Lizotte is a four-time letterwinner and has participated in 67 matches, with 57 starts. Her career starts places her ninth on the program's all-time career record starts list. She has registered three goals, six assists, and notched 45 points, which places her third on the program's all-time points career list. Lizotte's 79 shots place her seventh on the program's career all-time shots list. She has been named to the C-USA Commissioner's honor roll in 2006 and 2007. She was also awarded with the conference academic honorable mention honor in 2006.
"Any time I saw Ali take the field, I knew we were going to get her best effort. She led with her work rate and held the center of the field for us all season," Coach Long said. "She scored some critical goals and changed the momentum of games with great defensive tackles. She left everything on the field every day-which absolutely made us a better team!"
Junior transfer Rebecca Voss (Raleigh, N.C.) was voted by her fellow teammate's as the Player's Player of the Year. Voss appeared in all 19 matches and had three shots with two being placed on goal with one game-winning goal.
"Becca is the first recipient of the Player's Player here at Marshall. The team nominated several players and Becca is part of an elite group of candidates," Coach Long said. "With that said, there was also no doubt who her teammates felt made the most positive impact, on and off the field over the last year. Becca graduates after the summer, but I feel very fortunate that we will have her back in uniform in the fall!"
Also at the Herd's program banquet, the four seniors were recognized for their accomplishments at Marshall. Lizotte, Kot, Erin Johnson (Mansfield, Ohio), and Jessica Jennings (Dayton, Ohio) were acknowledged for their contributions throughout the four years with the program.
"We lose four very special seniors this year. For me, I wish we could have them all back for another year," Coach Long commented on the seniors departure. "They each enhanced the team in different ways, and will leave very large shoes to fill in the coming year. I wish them all the best and I know you will continue to make the Herd very proud as you head out on your new paths."
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