Eight Illinois State soccer players were honored as 2019 All-Missouri Valley Conference selections, as announced tonight at the MVC Women's Soccer Championship Awards Banquet in Springfield, Mo. Senior Kate Del Fava was announced as the MVC Player of the Year, the evening's top honor.
Del Fava, who was also named All-MVC First Team, led the conference in several offensive categories including, goals (15), points (34) and game-winning goals (7). This is the third-straight year Del Fava has achieved First Team honors and fourth year she was recognized by the conference, as she was named to the All-Freshman Team during the 2016 season.
Landing on All-MVC First Team with Del Fava was senior goalkeeper Haley Smith and junior centerback Alissa Ramsden. Smith became the program-record holder with 26 career shutouts earlier this season and has collected 66 saves while posting a .786 save percentage in goal. Ramsden appeared in 17 games this season, contributing to ISU's ten shutouts while also adding two game-winning goals and two assists.
Senior Megan McEachern and junior Natalie Vaughn-Low both earned All-MVC Second Team recognition. McEachern has started all 18 games as a centerback, averaging over 88 minutes per contest. Vaughn-Low totaled 14 points during the regular season in only 12 appearances.
Junior midfielders Abby Basler and Ashley Santos were named All-MVC Honorable Mention. Basler has played in 15 games this year, totaling 14 points and leading the team with five assists. Santos played in every game during her junior campaign, playing on average over 77 minutes per match.
Rounding out this year's individual awards, freshman Peyton Kennedy was named to the MVC All-Freshman Team. Kennedy appeared in every game this season, coming off the bench to provide support in the midfield.
The No. 2 Redbirds will face No. 3 Missouri State in the MVC Soccer Championship Semifinals in Springfield, Mo. on Friday. Kickoff at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium is set for 3 p.m.
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