Oct. 31, 2006

Lafayette, LA -- Alicia Tirelli was named to the First Team All-Sun Belt squad whileSusanna Lehtinen and Janeke Simpkins were named Second Team All-Sun Belt members by the conference office on Tuesday, as the Florida Atlantic University women's soccer team prepares for its first entry into the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.

"We are honored to have three of our players recognized on the All-Conference teams. It shows that the dedication and leadership exhibited by these players is recognized by others," Women's Soccer Head Coach Brian Dooley said.

Tirelli, a junior from Brandon, FL, earns first-team honors after earning Atlantic Sun All-Academic and All-Tournament honors, as well as Conference Tournament MVP in 2005. She finished the regular season with 10 goals and five assists for 25 points, leading the squad in both goals and points. She has ignited the Owl offense in the previous six games, helping the team head into the conference tournament on a six-game winning streak.

Lehtinen, a junior from Espoo, Finalnd, garners second-team honors one year after being named the 2005 Atlantic Sun Player of the Year and a member of the All-Atlantic Sun First Team. She finished the regular season with five goals and eight assists for 18 points. Opposing defenses often keyed on her, as she frequently drew two and three defenders when she had the ball.

Simpkins, a sophomore from Royal Palm Beach, FL, was also named to the All-Atlantic Sun First Team in 2005. She is among the fastest players in the conference, and one of its dominating defenders. Her speed and intelligent play often changes the game, including the way opposing offensive units attack FAU's goal. In addition to her stellar defensive play, she's also managed to create three scoring opportunities, firing three shots on goal.

For more information on the upcoming Sun Belt Championship, click here.