Stevens' Julia Panko Tabbed Empire 8 Conference Offensive Player of the Year as Women's Soccer Awards are Released
Panko Repeats as Offensive Player of the Year
Stevens'
Julia Panko was named the Empire 8 Conference's Offensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season as the league announced the 2018 Women's Soccer All-Conference and Major Award winners today. Panko helped lead the Ducks to an E8 title and an NCAA berth this fall. The awards are voted on by the league's head coaches.
Nazareth's
Hannah Miller was recognized as the league's Defensive Player of the Year, while St. John Fisher's
Carli Kovarik earned E8 Rookie of the Year. Stevens' staff, led by head coach
Jeff Parker, was honored as the coaching staff of the year
For a complete list of all-conference members and award winners, please see below.
CLOSER LOOK
Panko helped led the Ducks to a perfect regular season as well as the conference title this fall. The dynamic midfielder was once again recognized for her outstanding direction in leading the Ducks attack. Panko is currently second in the conference in goals with ten and points with 23. She also chipped in with three assists. She was also named a First Team All-Conference selection for the third consecutive season. Panko and her teammates will take on SUNY Geneseo in the 1st Round of the NCAA Tournament this Saturday.
Miller had a remarkable campaign in net for Nazareth as she was among the league leaders in virtually every statistical category. Miller led the conference in both save percentage (.901), as well as saves per game (7.61). Her seven shutouts this fall were second-best among all E8 keepers. Miller was also named a First Team selection.
St. John Fisher's Carli Kovarik was recognized by the league's coaches as the Rookie of the Year. Kovarik made an immediate impact in her first year for the Cardinals scoring ten goals and adding an assist. Her ten goals tied for second-best in the league, while her 21 points is third-best. Kovarik was also named a First Team student-athlete.
Stevens' coaching staff, led by Jeff Parker was recognized as the E8 Coaching Staff of the Year. The Ducks won their fourth-straight E8 title this fall, and currently are in the midst of a 13-game winning streak heading into NCAA Tournament play. Over that stretch, the Ducks have outscored their opposition 48-6. Eight Stevens student-athletes were honored as All-Conference selections, including three on the First Team.
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR TEAM
One member of each team was named that institution's representative on the 2018 Women's Soccer Sportswoman of the Year Team. The Empire 8 Conference emphasizes that "Competing with Honor and Integrity" is an essential component of a student-athlete's experience in conjunction with an institution's educational mission. These honorees have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits as outstanding sportswomen.
Offensive Player of the Year - Julia Panko, Stevens
Defensive Player of the Year - Hannah Miller, Nazareth
Rookie of the Year - Carli Kovarik, St. John Fisher
Coaching Staff of the Year - Stevens, led by Jeff Parker
1st Team All-Conference
Samantha Trimblett, Sage | F
Carli Kovarik, St. John Fisher | F
Mikayla Blumenstock, Utica | F
Jessica Beattie, Houghton | MF
Olivia Butera, Stevens | MF
Julia Panko, Stevens | MF
Kierra Casey, Utica | MF
Courtney Velho, Hartwick | D
Noelle Colilli, Nazareth | D
Gianna Nitti, Stevens | D
Hannah Miller, Nazareth | GK
2nd Team All-Conference
Gabrielle Kreppein, Hartwick | F
Mary LoCicero, Nazareth | F
Misha Brewster, Stevens | F
Ally Wanzor, Stevens | F
Rachel Pine, Hartwick | MF
Megan Gallacchi, Nazareth | MF
Mallory Ott, Nazareth | MF
Gabby Saade, Stevens | MF
Nicole Bauer, Sage | D
Erin Mellett, Stevens | D
Erica O’Kelly, Stevens | D
Allison Wagner, Utica | GK
Honorable Mention
Taylor Hanson, Elmira | F
Rachel Weir, Hartwick | F
Joleen Marfone, Sage | F
Jenna Mazza, Utica | F
Emily Wright, Alfred | MF
Caleigh Cahoon, Nazareth | MF
Marykate Ordway, Nazareth | MF
Maegan Villa, Sage | MF
Isabelle Destefano, St. John Fisher | MF
Keira Palumbo, Alfred | D
Kiley Richardson, Hartwick | D
Nora Broderick, St. John Fisher | D
Mia Tirabassi, St. John Fisher | D
Summer Gagnon, Utica | D
Emma Workman, Utica | D
Cassandra Robataille, Hartwick | GK
Sportswoman of the Year
Danielle Perry, Alfred
Allie LoPresti, Elmira
Madison Miller, Hartwick
Sadie Dunnett, Houghton
Megan Gallacchi, Nazareth
Alexa Petrovic, Sage
Shiane Irwin, St. John Fisher
Emily Damrell, Stevens
Amanda Thut, Utica
(listed alphabetically by school)
About the Empire 8 Conference
The members of the Empire 8 are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and aspire to be regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership seeks to distinguish itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the Empire 8.