LU soccer squads boast OUA stars

Despite suffering a tough loss in the OUA Playoffs, the Lady Vees’ season was a success and one to be proud of. Even now, a full week after that season-ending defeat, the Vees have three more sources of pride as the OUA All-Stars were announced.

Leading the trio of Laurentian players named to the All-Star squad was Amy-Lynn Pitton, who cracked the First Team after being named to the Second Team the previous two years.

Pitton continues to be one of the premier shut-down defenders in the OUA as she was constantly given the task of shutting down the opposition’s top strikers and was a big part in the Lady Vees only conceding and average of one goal per game this season. Finishing as the runner-up in the OUA-East MVP voting, Pitton’s skill has been noticed and is well-respected around the OUA, a press release stated.

A pair of Lady Vees were also honored for their play this year and were named to the Second Team. Lisa Watson was named to her fourth all-star squad while Renée Jacques received her first nomination. Both fifth year players were key pieces in the Lady Vees' success this year as they hosted their first play-off game since 2008.

Watson rewrote the Laurentian history books, finishing the year as the top goal-scorer in Lady Vees history, while tallying the most goals in a season for a Lady Vee. Jacques was a key force in the middle of the field for the Lady Vees, winning many challenges and constantly feeding balls to the forwards.

“These three young women were the cornerstone of our team this season,” said head coach Rob Gallo. “Amy Pitton as captain and Lisa and Renée as assistants not only provided leadership on the field but were instrumental in the development of our younger players off of the field. They worked hard in each and every training session and game and represented Laurentian with pride each and every time they stepped on the field.

"It is fabulous to see Renée and Lisa ending their soccer careers at Laurentian with this recognition.”
 

Laurentian Voyageurs rookie Omar Allison (left) and goalkeeper Matt George were named to the OUA second- and first-team all-star teams, respectively. Supplied photos.

Voyageurs recognized for their performance

Despite a tough season that saw the Voyageurs finish sixth and drop a tough game in the first round of the playoffs, some individual talents were recognized on Wednesday. The Voyageurs’ stingy back end — the strength of this year’s team — received much-deserved accolades as the OUA All-Stars were released.

Leading the trio of Laurentian players named to the All-Star squad was goalkeeper Matt George, who was named to the First Team — his first time being named an All-Star. George has emerged as one of the top goalkeepers in the OUA. His 71 saves made him one of the busiest keepers in the league and his .83 save percentage is a testament to his ability to keep the ball out of the back of the net.

A pair of Voyageurs were also honoured for their play this year and were named to the Second Team. Cameron Brooks was named to his third all-star squad in as many years while Omar Allison received his first nomination in his rookie year.

Brooks and Allison combined on the backline to continuously shut down some of the most potent offences in the country and will be key pieces of the team for years to come.

“All three players had great seasons for us,” said head coach Carlo Castrechino. “They consistently brought it every game and are truly deserving of their all-star awards.”

These awards officially close the 2012 season for the Vees and Voyageurs and focus now turns to next season.