GAC

Women's Soccer

Great American Conference Announces Conference Awards Wednesday

WEATHERFORD, OKLAHOMA - The 2022 regular season conference accolades were announced Wednesday evening at the annual end of the season banquet hosted by the conference. The Great American Conference announced their first, second and honorable mention teams a head of the start of the conference playoffs beginning on Thursday. There were six individual players earning conference recognition Wednesday.

The Great American Conference coaches vote on the annual end of the year awards and are not allowed to vote for their own players. Each season the conference announces an All-GAC First Team, All-GAC Second Team, Honorable Mention Team, along with individual awards in Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and Coach of the year.

For the Rangers on the All-GAC Second Team had four individuals earn this honor in Tiara Campbell Kailani Kealoha, Kaitlyn Morphy, and Taylor Songster.  The next two were on the honorable mention team awarded to Abby Nunez, and Aaliyah Acevedo.

Kailani Kealoha started all 18 games for the Rangers finishing with three points on one goal and an assist. Her goal this season was the game winning goal for the Rangers against East Central. She totaled 1146 minutes on the year helping Northwestern."Kailani has been the anchor of our midfield this season. She has brought a phenomenal work rate and has truly been a two way midfielder that has dominated games this year." stated head coach Alex Piekarski.

Morphy earned 2nd team all GAC after starting in 14 of the 16 Ranger games this season accumulating 1170 minutes this season and earning GAC defender of the week once this season. The Ranger senior earns second team for the second straight season for the Rangers.Northwestern's defense was tied for the most shutout on the season with eight along with Southwestern.  "Kaitlyn has been rock solid in the back again this season- helping lead us to 8 shutouts this year. She is incredibly consistent and we are excited she has been recognized" stated Coach Piekarski

Songster is the second Ranger defender earning second all gac team after starting 17 games for the Rangers including 1400 minutes this season the most for Northwestern including taking multiple GAC defender of the week awards this year.  The Ranger defense gave up the second least amount of goals on the season with 20 just behind Southwestern. "We are so proud of Taylor. She is the perfect example of what we want in a player. During her career we had her totally change positions, and she didn't get much playing time in previous seasons, but yet she never complained and continued to work hard. Now she is truly one of the best defensive players in the conference and we are thrilled it's been noticed" mentioned Piekarski.

Campbell earns GAC recognition for the second straight season after earning the award in 2021. Campbell was second on the Rangers in goals scored wth five including two assists on the year totaling 12 points this season in 11 games averaging over a point a game. She had one game winning goal for Northwestern on the year. "Tia had a strong start of the season and worked hard to improve her game. It's unfortunate her season was cut short, but we are glad it was recognized that she is still a premier attacking player" stated Alex Pierkarski.

Nunez earned GAC honorable mention this season after playing all 18 games for the Rangers scoring six goals ont he year tied for the team high in points with 12 on the year. Two of her six goals were game winners helping the Rangers to their seven win season and the GAC tournament bid. "Abby has worked very hard to continue to grow as a player. She has continued to improve as a player and is our leading scorer this season. We are thrilled with her as she is playing great soccer to end her career and she will leave her name all over the Ranger Soccer Record Book" Northwestern head coach Piekarski mentioned.

Acevedo was the third Ranger defender to earn GAC recognition starting 11 games with four points on the season from one goal and two assists for the Rangers. "Aaliyah has been a great addition this year. She wins seemingly every 50/50 ball and brings a dynamic element into our attack as well and we are thrilled she has been honored stated head coach Piekarski."

Northwestern than led the Great American Conference in scholar athlete awards as Felicia Bueno earned elite scholar athlete of the year, as Sydne Edmiston, Callie Haneborg, Maggie Koster, Faith Nino all earned distingushed scholar athlete.

Northwestern will continue their season on Thursday afternoon with kickoff set for 2:30 PM as the Ranger take on the Bulldogs in the Great American Conference semifinals matchup in Weatherford. 


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