Brittany Anghel became the first member of the Orange to earn a conference player of the year award in the program's history. Villanova's Lynne Tighe presented the trophy at the awards banquet in Hartford, Conn.
Anghel BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year
11/1/2012 8:37:00 PM | Women's Soccer
HARTFORD, Conn. – Junior Brittany Anghel was named the BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year at the BIG EAST Conference Women's Soccer Awards Banquet held Thursday, Nov. 1 in Hartford, Conn. She becomes the first player to earn a conference player of the year award in the program's history.
Anghel was also named to the All-BIG EAST First Team. In addition, senior Alyscha Mottershead earned All-BIG EAST Second Team honors, while freshman Jackie Firenze was named to the All-Rookie Team. The three all-conference selections are the Orange's highest number since 2000.
"I am thrilled for our players and for the program to be honored in this way," said fifth-year head coach Phil Wheddon. "Brittany and Alyscha have been outstanding over the past few years, none more so than this year. Jackie had a great first season here and we look forward to her continued success as our program continues to evolve."
Anghel, who is SU's first all-conference first team honoree since 2000, anchored the Syracuse defense this season. She posted a 1.02 goals-against average and a .784 save percentage. Anghel recorded five shutouts, increasing her career total to 18. That total ranks second on Syracuse's career leader list behind Eliza Bennett-Hattan's 20 from 2006-09. Anghel had 69 saves in 2012. She ranks third on SU's all-time saves list with 225.
"Brittany has been fantastic for our team and her presence and positioning has allowed our team to play the way the staff would like us to," Wheddon said. "She has worked exceptionally hard at her game and I am thrilled that she has been voted as the BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year and to the All-BIG EAST First Team.".
Mottershead led the Orange in points (12) and goals (5) this season, recording career highs in both categories. Three of her goals were game winners, which tied for fifth in the BIG EAST. A starter in the midfield, Mottershead was a key to Syracuse's success on both ends of the field.
"Alyscha has been the consummate professional since she joined us," Wheddon said. "While she has completed her eligibility, her soccer career is just beginning. She has the desire, passion and professionalism that we want to be synonymous with our program."
Firenze started all 18 games for the Orange in her rookie season. She tied for second on the team in goals with four. Firenze had one game-winning goal, which came with 30 seconds remaining in the Orange's 3-2 victory against rv/-- Connecticut. It marked Syracuse's first win against the Huskies in 18 tries. Firenze's selection to the All-Rookie Team marks the fourth consecutive year that a member of the Orange has earned the honor.
"It's a tremendous honor for our players to be recognized by the other coaches in the conference and it shows how much the program has developed in recent years," Wheddon said.
Syracuse won nine games in 2012, its highest win total since 2003. In addition, the Orange posted its first winning record since 2003.
Anghel was also named to the All-BIG EAST First Team. In addition, senior Alyscha Mottershead earned All-BIG EAST Second Team honors, while freshman Jackie Firenze was named to the All-Rookie Team. The three all-conference selections are the Orange's highest number since 2000.
"I am thrilled for our players and for the program to be honored in this way," said fifth-year head coach Phil Wheddon. "Brittany and Alyscha have been outstanding over the past few years, none more so than this year. Jackie had a great first season here and we look forward to her continued success as our program continues to evolve."
Anghel, who is SU's first all-conference first team honoree since 2000, anchored the Syracuse defense this season. She posted a 1.02 goals-against average and a .784 save percentage. Anghel recorded five shutouts, increasing her career total to 18. That total ranks second on Syracuse's career leader list behind Eliza Bennett-Hattan's 20 from 2006-09. Anghel had 69 saves in 2012. She ranks third on SU's all-time saves list with 225.
"Brittany has been fantastic for our team and her presence and positioning has allowed our team to play the way the staff would like us to," Wheddon said. "She has worked exceptionally hard at her game and I am thrilled that she has been voted as the BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year and to the All-BIG EAST First Team.".
Mottershead led the Orange in points (12) and goals (5) this season, recording career highs in both categories. Three of her goals were game winners, which tied for fifth in the BIG EAST. A starter in the midfield, Mottershead was a key to Syracuse's success on both ends of the field.
"Alyscha has been the consummate professional since she joined us," Wheddon said. "While she has completed her eligibility, her soccer career is just beginning. She has the desire, passion and professionalism that we want to be synonymous with our program."
Firenze started all 18 games for the Orange in her rookie season. She tied for second on the team in goals with four. Firenze had one game-winning goal, which came with 30 seconds remaining in the Orange's 3-2 victory against rv/-- Connecticut. It marked Syracuse's first win against the Huskies in 18 tries. Firenze's selection to the All-Rookie Team marks the fourth consecutive year that a member of the Orange has earned the honor.
"It's a tremendous honor for our players to be recognized by the other coaches in the conference and it shows how much the program has developed in recent years," Wheddon said.
Syracuse won nine games in 2012, its highest win total since 2003. In addition, the Orange posted its first winning record since 2003.
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