Lady Cougars displayed "growth" and "fight"

The MVNU Lady Cougars (10-9) wrapped up the soccer season with a loss 3-1 loss against Marian University in the Crossroads League Tournament quarterfinals.

The ladies locked down the sixth seed spot in the conference tournament after winning four of their nine league games.

“We competed well and matured while running a gauntlet that included six Top 25 ranked teams including the No. 1, 2 and 3 teams in the nation,” Cougars Head Coach Daniel Seiffert said of the season.

The Lady Cougars were led by senior forward Allison Paley. She racked up 10 regular season goals and garnered All-Crossroads League First Team honors.

Senior Shannon Gwynn anchored the Cougars defensively and was also named to the All-Crossroads League First Team.

Freshman midfielder Amberly Knox and junior goalkeeper Madi Moore were given All-Crossroads League Honorable Mention honors.

Knox led the freshmen in goals, racking up six throughout the season. Moore allowed only seven goals over her eight games started and 11 games played, adding up to 855 total minutes played. Moore saved 83 percent of the shots taken on her goal.

“I’m so proud of the growth and fight that our team displayed throughout the year,” Seiffert said. The coach described leading his women as an honor and blessing.

“This is such a wonderful group of young women who are always pursuing excellence in everything that they do,” Seiffert said.

The Lady Cougars will graduate seniors Ashley Flautt, Olivia Boldoser, Emily Heaton, Allison Paley, Shannon Gwynn, Faith Orecchio and Bethany Bogantz.

“We have been very blessed by the seniors and leadership on this team and we, as coaches, could not be more proud of them,” Seiffert said.