Three Olivet College women’s soccer players earn All-MIAA honors

FREELAND, Mich. – Three Olivet College women's soccer players – sophomore Isabelle Leon, and seniors Lauren Vanderhoff and Deanna Zolnoski – have been named to the 2015 All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) teams. Leon and Zolnoski are first-team selections, while Vanderhoff is a second-team pick. All-MIAA honors are voted on by the league coaches and based on the players' statistics in their 16 MIAA contents.

Under the leadership of first-year head coach Kim McGowan, the Comets had an 11-6-3 overall record and was fourth in the MIAA with an 8-5-3 record. The 11 wins are the most in school history since 2010, while the eight conference wins are the most in school history for a season. The last time Olivet had three All-MIAA picks in one season was 2004; however, the last time two players earned first-team All-MIAA honors in the same season was 1998.

"We had a successful season this fall," said McGowan. "It is always a process taking over a team and building a new standard and tradition, but the girls really bought into it this year. Getting three all-conference players is great for the individuals, but shows greatly on the program and the direction we're headed. The team, and I are looking forward to building on this season and working hard to accomplish more next fall."

In the 16-game league schedule, Leon started all 16 games at forward and ranked among leaders in three statistical categories – goals (third, 8), points (fourth, 19), shots (fourth, 50) and assists (seventh, 3). Over the entire 20-game schedule, she led Olivet in scoring with 23 points on 10 goals and three assists. The 10 goals were the third-most among all MIAA players, while she scored a league-best six game-winning goals.

"Izzy was the player the team looked for when we needed a goal this season," said McGowan. "She is not the biggest forward, but she is quick and smart with her runs which lead to success in the final third. Izzy had impressive stats in the conference, and has great potential to build on going into her junior year."

Zolnoski logged every minute in goal for the Comets, allowing 16 goals in 16 games for a 0.95 goals against average. She made 79 saves for an 83.2 save percentage. Over 20 games, she played all 1,879 minutes in net, giving up 21 goals for a 1.01 goals against average.

"Going into season, we only had one keeper and our season was going to be heavily influenced on what kind of season Deanna had," said McGowan. "Throughout the fall she made all the routine saves and had some great stops which kept us in competitive games. For Deanna to make first team, not only is a compliment to what she accomplished this year but what our team did defensively."

Vanderhoff started every game in the midfield, scoring two goals and recording one assist for five points. Her five points this season all came against MIAA opponents.

"Lauren did not have the best stats as a midfielder, but she was always one of the best players on the field," said McGowan. "As a senior captain, she was the backbone of our team and was a huge reason why this year we accomplished what we did. I'm extremely proud of her and this is well deserved award."