Murray State University Athletics
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Murray State Soccer Player Sara Struve Receives Academic Honor
11/4/2005 6:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Murray State University soccer player Sara Struve was recognized for her academic accomplishments on Thursday when she was selected to the 2005 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV Second Team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Struve, a defender from Chesterfield, Mo., is an exercise science major and has a cumulative 4.00 grade point average.
"We're absolutely as proud of Sara for her academic award as we are for the other players getting all-conference recognition," said Murray State Head Coach Mike Minielli. "Academics are something we take a lot of pride in."
Her work in the classroom earned Struve a spot on the 2004 Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll. The sophomore was also selected to the Dean's List in the fall of 2004 and the spring of 2005.
On the field, Struve has been a key to Murray State's record setting season. She played in 19 of MSU's 20 matches and has started in 17 contests. She has helped anchor a defense that has allowed less than one goal per game (0.96) in its nine OVC games. In those nine matches only three teams scored more than one goal and four were shutout.
For the season, the MSU defense is fourth in the OVC with a 1.26 goals against average.
In addition to her defensive contributions, Struve is tied for second on the team with four assists.
Each year CoSIDA honors student-athletes at the district and national level for their academic performances. First team selections at the district level earn a spot on the national ballot.
The Racers (8-10-2) will make their second consecutive appearance in the OVC Tournament semifinals on Friday. Murray State will face top seeded, and 2005 OVC regular season champion, Samford University at 12:30 p.m. The 2005 O'Reilly Ohio Valley Conference Tournament semifinals and finals will be played in Charleston, Ill., and hosted by Eastern Illinois University.
