Nov. 2, 2005

BOCA RATON, FL -- Sophomore forward Susanna Lehtinen will have to make room in her trophy case next to last season's Freshman of the Year award.

The Atlantic Sun Conference office announced its women's soccer postseason awards Wednesday, with Lehtinen netting Conference Player of the Year honors.

The Espoo, Finland native finished the year with 10 goals and 10 assists to lead the FAU offensive attack. Her 54 shots also led the team.

The accolades didn't stop there for the Owls as nine of their starters earned All-Conference honors.

First-team members included Megan Coyne (GK), Janeke Simpkins (D), Meredith White (D), Denise Brolly (MF), Katri Nokso-Koivisto (MF), and Lehtinen (F).

This is the second First-Team selection for Brolly, Nokso-Koivisto, and Lehtinen. All were named to the 2004 squad. Brolly was also named to the Second-Team in 2003.

Second-Team members include Christina Rodriguez (D), Natalie D'Oria (MF), and Danielle DiLeo (F).

All-Freshman Team honorees included Ashley Mannarino (MF), D'Oria (MF), and Simpkins (D).

Recognition was also given to head coach Brian Dooley, who was named A-Sun Coach of the Year.

The six First-Team members are a program record. The three All-Freshman honorees tied the mark set last season, giving the Owls six All-Freshman honorees in the past two seasons.

Rhonda Jones was the last Owl to earn the A-Sun Player of the Year award. She took home the honor in 2003. Melissa Bobby (1999) is the only other Owl to receive the award. Lehtinen is the first player in FAU history to earn both Freshman of the Year (2004) and Player of the Year (2005) honors.

2005 Postseason Honors and Awards

Player of the Year: Susanna Lehtinen, Florida Atlantic

Defensive Player of the Year: Katrina Hirsch, Kennesaw State & Jessica Marek, Kennesaw State

Freshman of the Year: Keri Zwikker, Jacksonville

Coach of the Year: Brian Dooley, Florida Atlantic

First Team All-Atlantic Sun:
GK Megan Coyne, Florida Atlantic JR
D Katrina Hirsch, Kennesaw State SR
D Mary Nitz, Campbell JR
D Janeke Simpkins, Florida Atlantic FR
D Meredith White, Florida Atlantic JR
MF Denise Brolly, Florida Atlantic SR
MF Jenae Gzehoviak, Kennesaw State SR
MF Katri Nokso-Koivisto, Florida Atlantic SR
F Susanna Lehtinen, Florida Atlantic SO
F Laura Tucker, Kennesaw State JR
F Leeanna Woodworth, Gardner-Webb SR
F Keri Zwikker, Jacksonville FR

Second Team All-Atlantic Sun:
GK Jessica Marek, Kennesaw State SR
D Christina Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic JR
D Maureen Foley, Gardner-Webb SR
D Meghan Morris, ETSU SR
MF Erin Ashton, ETSU SR
MF Elizabeth Gowan, UNF FR
MF Pip Meo, Kennesaw State JR
MF Natalie D'Oria, Florida Atlantic FR
MF Amber Otto, Jacksonville SR
MF Susan Persson, Campbell SR
F Danielle DiLeo, Florida Atlantic SR
F Stephanie Grzeszkowiak, Kennesaw State JR
F Michelle Lavine, Jacksonville FR
F Kari Lennon, Belmont SO
F Brittany Woods, Gardner-Webb SO

**Ties in the voting resulted in 12 total players on the 1st Team and 15 total players on the 2nd Team

Atlantic Sun All-Freshmen Team
F/MF Megan Castaldo, Mercer
D Allie Frakes, Campbell
MF Angie Harvey, Gardner-Webb
F Anna Holt, Belmont
MF Ashley Mannarino, Florida Atlantic
D Heather Manting, Mercer
MF/D Beth Meadors, Kennesaw State
MF Natalie D'Oria, Florida Atlantic
MF/D Elizabeth Gowan, UNF
F Michelle Lavine, Jacksonville
D Janeke Simpkins, Florida Atlantic
F Keri Zwikker, Jacksonville

**Ties in the voting resulted in 12 total players on the All-Freshmen Team