Girls soccer names six to all-league

The Lady Outlaws had six players selected to all-league teams, and senior Michaela Miller and junior Nika Chick were first-team picks.

Miller played at center midfield for the Outlaws. Michaela finished league with nine goals and five assists. She was runner-up for league MVP, just behind Cottage's talented and fast forward, Kianna Kemenway.

"Michaela excelled in ball control, winning balls outs of the air, taking shots, and sending smart passes through the opponent's defense," said Coach Thomas Draxler. "She also had personal maturity, and a healthy perspective on the role soccer plays in her life."

Chick played at center-forward, scored 11 goals, and dished out five assists for the Outlaws during league.

"Nika had speed, dribbling magic, powerful shots with both feet, dangerous free kicks and corners, and the fearlessness to head the ball over and over," stated Draxler.

Marissa Young (senior) was a second-team selection. At one time or another during league, Marissa played every position on the field.

"Marissa stood out in the league for her aggression, her work ethic, her ability to dislodge the ball from opponents, and her imitable example of hungering for victory," said Draxler. "She had only one assist in the season, but the statistics don't accurately reflect how much positive influence she really had on the outcome of games."

Three players - Hannah Ceciliani, Taylor Schneider, and Olivia Stewart - were honorable mention.

Ceciliani (senior) played goalkeeper and sweeper. Hannah had two assists, which both came from free-kicks that she lofted into the box from quite a distance.

"Hannah had fast reflexes, and some great saves at keeper," said Draxler. "At sweeper, she controlled the back-line with exceptional game intelligence, distributed the ball well, and booted the ball further than anyone on the team."

Schneider (senior) played at stopper for the Outlaws. Even from the stopper position, Taylor was able to score one goal.

"Taylor's skills included intercepting opponents' passes, covering back to plug up defensive gaps, and making smart drives up through the midfield," stated Draxler. "Also, she had a beautiful shot with her right, which she unfortunately didn't get to use enough from her position in the back."

Stewart rounds out the Outlaws' all-league selections. Olivia played at left-midfield and left-wing. She scored four goals and dished out two assists.

"Olivia out-performed everyone in her commitment to following up other players' shots on goal, which led to several points on the board for her," commented Draxler. "She also had solid skills with her left, her right, her head, and her trapping. Plus, she has a stand-out spirit for analyzing the opponent, and for focusing on the task at hand."