Four Conference USA women's soccer student-athletes were named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-America team for their achievements during the 2011 season. Memphis was well represented as three Tigers were selected for the top honors. Senior defender Lizzy Simonin earned first-team accolades and was joined by senior goalkeeper Elise Kuhar-Pitters and sophomore forward Christabel Oduro. Kuhar-Pitters was a second-team selection while Oduro earned third-team laurels, along with UCF's Tishia Jewell.
Memphis defender Lizzy Simonin, who helped lead the Tigers to an undefeated regular season, has been selected as the 2011 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award winner in NCAA Division I women's soccer. The announcement and trophy presentation were made today by Lowe's, an official Corporate Partner of the NCAA, during the 2011 Women's College Cup in Kennesaw, Ga.
In the sixth round of penalty kicks against No. 3 seed North Carolina Sunday, UCF women's soccer senior goalkeeper Aline Reis (Campinas, Brazil) denied Ranee Premij to give the Knights (13-4-6) the 5-4 edge and their first birth in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament since 1987. It was also the first time UCF has advanced past the Tar Heels in postseason play.
For the first time in 25 years, the UCF women's soccer team is headed to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament as it defeated second-seeded Florida 3-2 at James G. Pressly Stadium Friday night. The Knights (13-4-5) will take on North Carolina Sunday at 1 p.m. for the right to advance to the Elite Eight.