Dec. 5, 2006

MILWAUKEE - Two Marquette women's soccer players, junior forward Allison Mallams and senior defender Michelle Pitzl were named to NSCAA All-Great Lakes Region Teams announced by the NSCAA. Mallams was a first team selection, while Pitzl was named to the second team.

"We are proud of our team's accomplishments this fall and these two ladies played a significant role in our team's success," said head coach Markus Roeders.

Mallams, a junior transfer from William Jewell, made a big impact her first season donning the blue and gold leading the team in goals and points. She was rewarded for her play with second team All-BIG EAST Honors. Mallams tied the eighth best single season points mark with 24 on eight goals and eight assists. 11 of her 23 points were scored in the Golden Eagles opening weekend where she recorded two goals against Bowling Green and added two goals and three assists in a 9-0 win over Sacred Heart. She ranks in the top-10 of the BIG EAST in four offensive categories; game-winning goals (five, tie-fourth) points (24, eighth), goals (eight, tie-10th) and shots (2.57 per game, 10th). One of Mallams' golden goals came in double overtime to help Marquette defeat then no. 12 Connecticut, 1-0. She was named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week and to the Soccer Buzz Elite Team of the Week following that performance.

"Allison was a dangerous attacking player throughout the year and she showed that she is among the top strikers in the BIG EAST Conference and around the country," Roeders said. "She played against some of the best defensive players and excelled by scoring or creating opportunites."

Pitzl, a third team All-BIG EAST selection, has been an integral part of Marquette's backline in 2006 as she has started in every game this season. The senior from Shoreview, Minn., helped the Golden Eagles to shutout 12 opponents, five in BIG EAST play, this season and has been a key reason why Marquette allowed just one goal in its last seven wins of the season. Pitzl was named to the Duke/adidas Classic All-Tournament Team and was named to the BIG EAST Honor Roll following MU's win over then no. 12 Connecticut.

Michelle Pitzl has been an integral part of Marquette's defensive unit in 2006 helping the Golden Eagles to shutout 12 opponents.

"Michelle showed once again that she was among our defensive leaders," added Roeders. "She played relentless and with a tremendous desire every game, Michelle was a catalyst for our team. Being honored with the top players around the country is very deserving for both of them and our team congratulates them."

For the season, the Golden Eagles (12-6-5, 7-3-1 BIG EAST) made their second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament, sixth overall, and eclipsed the 11-win mark for the 11th straight season. Marquette also inked its name among the elite in the BIG EAST as it finished second in the American Division and advanced to the conference tournament semifinals for the second time in as many seasons. Marquette's strength of schedule speaks for itself, in 2006 the Golden Eagles played 13 teams that played in the NCAA Tournament including eventual National Champion North Carolina. MU was ranked as high as 11th in the nation by Soccer America.









NSCAA All-Great Lakes First Team
Anne Ogundele Sr., GK Kentucky
Caroline Dew, So., D, Notre Dame
Virginia Graczyk, Sr., D, Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Emily Zurrer So., D, Illinois
Jen Buczkowski, Sr., M, Notre Dame
Lara Dickenman, Jr., M, Ohio State
Kara Kabellis Sr., M, Wisconsin
Jamie Craft, Sr., F, Louisville
Kerri Hanks, So., F, Notre Dame
Allison Mallams, Jr., F, Marquette
Ella Masar, Jr., F, Illinois

NSCAA All-Great Lakes Second Team
Anne Decker, Sr., GKl, Central Michigan
Sarah Maxwell, Sr., D, Ball State
Melissa Miller, Sr., D, Ohio State
Michelle Pitzl, Sr., D, Marquette
Amanda Cinalli, Jr., M, Notre Dame
Jillian Krivacek, Sr., M, Notre Dame
Jacquie Lacek, Sr., M, Central Michigan
Cynthia Morote-Ariza, Fr., M, Loyola-Chicago
Brittany Bock, So., F, Notre Dame
Parissa Eyorokan, Jr., F, Purdue
Kayla Lambert, So., F, Evansville

*National BIG EAST Recognition
In 2006, Kerri Hanks a sophomore forward of Notre Dame was named the M.A.C Herman Trophy Award winner, four BIG EAST players were named All-Americans, 21 BIG EAST players were named to all-region teams by the NSCAA and a record seven BIG EAST teams represented the conference in the NCAA Tournament.