Winthrop women's soccer players pick up awards

By Karl Lyles - klyles@heraldonline.com

The Winthrop women's soccer team picked up four awards at the Big South Conference Awards Banquet held at the Charleston Southern Fieldhouse.

Senior Stevie Lucas, junior Tricia Vensel, sophomore Rachel Webster and freshman Kylie Long earned All-Conference honors.

Lucas was named to the first team for the first timer. She has led the defense to a goals-against-average of 0.95 this season.

Vensel was named to the second team. She leads Winthrop in goals (3) and points (6). Vensel was named to the academic all-conference team last season.

Webster earned academic all-conference, while Long made the all-freshman team. Webster, who is majoring in elementary education, holds a GPA of 3.893. Long finished the regular season tied for second on the team with two goals and four points.

Charleston Southern junior forward Marky Boyce and Liberty coach Jessica Hain were voted the player and coach of the year, respectively, by the league's head coaches. Radford forward Mary Wiley was voted freshman of the year, while VMI's Audrey Falconi was scholar athlete of the Year.

Boyce led the Big South in almost every offensive category, including points (33), points per game (1.74), goals (13), goals per game (0.68) and tied for first in assists (7).

VOLLEYBALL — Winthrop's volleyball team is looking for 1,000 good fans to take part in the Founders Federal Credit Union 1,000 fans, $1,000 giveaway.

The first 1,000 fans in attendance for Saturday's 2 p.m. game against Presbyterian will have a chance to win one of five cash prizes. The promotion hinges on 1,000 or more fans attending the match, which would set an attendance record for the program.

There could be one $50 winner, a pair of $100 winners, a $250 winner, and one grand prize winner of $500. The first 1,000 fans will receive a tear-off ticket and be eligible for the prize drawing following the second set.

BASKETBALL — The Lady Eagles have an exhibition game at 7 p.m. Saturday against Francis Marion. It is the first chance fans have to see the 2009-2010 team. At halftime, men's coach Randy Peele will introduce his team to the crowd. Players and coaches from both teams will be autographing posters for the fans after the game. There is no charge for admission.

VS. FMU — Okay, it's just an exhibition game against a Division II school but Francis Marion is an elite DII team. The Patriots went 27-5 last year, led the nation in scoring (88.1 ppg) and were ranked 14th nationally. Francis Marion advanced to the NCAA Division II's Sweet 16. Shannon Singleton-Bates returns as the team's leading scorer.

WEEKLY COACHES LUNCHEON — This Monday marks the return of the Winthrop Coaches Luncheon. Each week at noon, Winthrop hosts lunch at FireBonz BBQ & Grill on Cherry Road in Rock Hill near I-77. You buy your own lunch and get to meet Eagles coaches.

HOMECOMING — Saturday, Nov. 14, is Homecoming. The men's 4 p.m. basketball game vs. Limestone is the focal point. The Eagles kick off the 2009-2010 season in the first-ever Fall Homecoming game. Tickets are on sale by calling 323-2129, ext. 2345.

Winthrop faculty/staff and students are admitted with a valid ID card.