Sky-Em selects Stewart as league MVP

Nine Outlaws girls soccer players have earned all-league honors - including Liz Stewart's top honors as Sky-Em Most Valuable Player (MVP). Stewart was also a first-team all-league selection, along with teammates Cassandra Arruda, Molly Boyle, and Michaela Miller.

Stewart was selected MVP by a unanimous decision. Liz dominated play in the midfield.

Coach Audrey Tehan said, "Liz is consistent and has an eye for defensive and attacking plays which is part of what makes her so unique. She is very disciplined and serous about improving at every practice. She deserved to get the award. Liz sets a great example for what it means to be an Outlaw."

Over the course of league play, Stewart scored 12 goals and dished out six assists.

"Liz was a stronghold for us in the middle, making up the entire rhythm of play," said Tehan. "She never stops, and is deadly to any team defensively and attacking. Her attitude is also a stronghold for the team, never wavering, consistent, and she's also a great motivator."

Arruda was a strong performer at outside-midfield for the Outlaws. Cassandra scored 10 goals and recorded eight assists.

"Cass was a huge feeder of goals and also a leader on scoring," said Tehan. "Cass has great vision on the field and is a creative player."

Boyle led the Outlaws with14 goals this season and also tallied five assists.

"Molly was willing to try a new position, and her willingness really helped the team immensely," said Tehan. "Her speed is unrivaled in the league, and her intensity really pushes the team and helps bring them to a new level. She is deadly as a forward."

Miller recorded three goals and had six assists on the season.

"Michaela is a force in the midfield which the entire team feeds off of," said Tehan. "She is a relentless defender and has the vision to distribute balls. She is a humble player and one of the most athletic players I have seen. She is a stronghold for the team."

MJ Murphy and Anna Ortega were both second-team all-league picks. Murphy willingly stepped into a hard position at sweeper, which allowed the Outlaws to be solid across the back-line. Ortega was an experienced player at outside-defense.

"MJ is an amazing athlete and is tough as nails," said Tehan. "Her strength in the back allowed us to excel up top. Anna is very tough mentally. She has become a huge motivator for our team this year, and is very smart on and off the ball. Her skills defensively have helped our team be able to push hard up top."

Honorable mention honors went to Dani Rudinsky, Nina Horner, and Hannah Ceciliani.

Rudinsky scored two goals for the Outlaws and recorded three assists. Dani played up top and became very good at scoring goals.

"Dani has the attitude a coach would like all players to have, and this goes along with a stellar work ethic and discipline to improve," said Tehan. "Dani is one of our smartest players and knows how to direct the team."

Horner glued the Outlaws together at outside-defense with her physical and mental strength. Tehan stated that Nina has great ball control, knows how to play the game, and starts the Outlaws' attacks from the defense.

Ceciliani is a fantastic keeper and one of the reasons the Outlaws rarely got scored on. Hannah recorded over 50 saves during league play.

"Hannah has great hands and quick feet and has really stepped into a leadership role in the back," stated Tehan.

Tehan was honored along with her players, selected as coach of the year.

"It was such an honor," said Tehan. "There are a lot of very experienced coaches in the league that I am proud to coach against. The other coaches said that they are proud to have the Sisters team be the top representative for the Sky-Em league and we have some of the most humble players who treat all other players and coaches with the utmost respect. This is what I am the most proud of maintaining within the soccer program - a program that is looked at not only for our skill but for the players respect towards others, positive attitudes and hard work ethics."