Post Season Awards- 6 Falcons Receive All-Region Nods, Jones Coach of the Year
Daytona Beach, FL (dscfalcons.com)- The Women's Soccer Program recently concluded their successful inaugural campaign with a tough loss to Eastern State College (3-2) in the Region 8 Championship Game. Despite a disappointing ending, the Falcons finished the fall season in with 11 wins and 3 losses. All three losses came at the hands of in-region rival Eastern Florida State College who won each of the three contests by a single goal and advanced to compete in the NJCAA National Tournament.
The Falcons had a record setting season starting off a 9 game winning streak and finished the season having allowed only 7 goals in 4 games, amounting to 10 shutouts. Further, the program averaged 19.1 shots per game and averaged 3.64 goals per game. In total the Falcons scored 51 goals on the season and had 11 different goal scorers. Their accomplishments were acknowledged by the coaches of the Region as 6 team members were recognized as All Region Performers.
First Team All-Region 8 Selection Heather Nulty (Winter Park, FL) lead the Falcons in total points (22) as well as goals scored (9). "Heather had a great season for us and was a dynamic option for us up front. She has the size and strength to hold the ball under pressure and the composure to score in big moments. She played her best during our game against Darton State College where she scored 2 goals in the first 20 minutes and in our 3 games against Eastern. She is a player that likes pressure situations and thrives in competitive environments. I have no doubt that she will mature over the course of the next year and prove to be even more of an impact player," stated Coach Jones.
Falcon Goalkeeper, Kristian Shores, received two honors for her work this fall as she was named Goalkeeper of the Year as well as a First Team All-Region Selection. Kristian had a fantastic season allowing only 6 goals in the 14 games she played this fall. She recorded 10 shut outs, a goals against average of .45 and a save percentage of .85. "Overall our defensive unit had a great year allowing only 7 total goals all season and a minimal number of shots over the 14 regular season games. Kristian was forced to make a few key saves this fall and really came through with big games against our toughest opponents," stated Coach Jones.
Shanade Hopcroft was the 3rd Falcon named as a First Team All-Region Selection. Shanade played most of the season as an attacking midfielder and fittingly lead the team in assists with 7 and was second on the team with 6 goals. "I am happy to see that Shanade was recognized for her contributions this fall. She has one of the highest work rates off the ball in the conference and is a player that makes those around her better," said Jones.
In addition to the three First Team All-Region Selections the Falcons placed three players on the Second Team All-Region. Megan Warner, Cheyenne Beck and Kaila Armstrong all had strong season this fall. Cheyenne was second on the team in total points (19) and one of three tied for 2nd on the team in goals (8). "Cheyenne has shown tremendous improvement over the course of the season due to her work rate and positive attitude. She was a consistent threat from any of the attacking positions and has a great deal of upward potential," stated Jones.
"Megan is really the unsung hero of our team this fall as she was asked to play a number of different positions and spent the majority of her time in the midfield and not in her natural position as a center forward. I greatly admire her selflessness and her soccer IQ for she was able to seamlessly transition to any role within the team," said Jones. Megan also had a productive year as she was tied for 2nd on the team in goals scored (8) and led the team in total attacking opportunities created.
Kaila Armstrong played in 13 of the 14 games starting 12 at the defensive midfield position. Despite having more of a holding role within the team she was able to score 2 goals and provide 4 assists over the course of the year. "Kaila plays in one of the most underappreciated positions on the team and did so seamlessly. She has such a calm demeanor on the field and is able to serve not only as the first player to break up play but also the first to initiate our attack in possession. She was one of the most consistent performers over the course of the year and it was nice to see her recognized for the role she played in our success" said Jones.
As a final reward, Coach Jones was named the Region 8 Coach of the Year. "Overall, the awards our program have received this fall are a direct reflection of the commitment our players have had toward our program. For me individual awards are always a team reward as everyone has to contribute in order to put people into positions to fulfill their potential. I am honored to receive this award, but this award should be directed at my entire coaching staff. Without Maggie our program would not have been as successful as it has been. The gratitude I feel for her selflessness and commitment to our program can never be fully expressed."
"Any individual award received was not possible without our entire team contributing to our common goal. I am disappointed our season ended so early, but I am eternally grateful for the time, energy and effort the members of our team had put into building this program. We have a great deal to look forward to in the future and it is all because of the contributions of the members of our program and the support we have received from the Daytona State Community."