Clay & Oppegard Named to All-OVC Soccer Team

Murray State sophomore forward Rebekah Clay and senior defender Laura Oppegard were named to the All-Ohio Valley Conference Soccer Team today after outstanding seasons for the Murray State Racers. Clay was named first team as a forward, while Oppegard made second team as a defender.

Clay, from Bloomington, Ill. ranked first in the OVC with 22 total points on nine goals and four assists. She also topped the league with 1.22 points per game. Rebekah was tied for first in the league with SEMO's Courtney Alexander with nine goals. Clay was also fourth best in the OVC with 60 shots taken and in shots taken per game with 3.33.

MSU Head Coach Beth Acreman noted that Clay was a big part of the Racers attack this season.

“She caused havoc running at defenders and gained respect from all the teams we played against,” Acreman said. “I'm looking for her to continue to wow fans with her footskills and her ability to beat defenders one on one. She is very deserving of this award and has been fun to coach my first season here at Murray.”

Laura Oppegard came to MSU from Lexington, Ky. and for four seasons was a mainstay on the Racers squad. She was the quarterback of the MSU defense and had an outstanding senior season in keeping the Racers in games with her quickness to the ball and leadership.

“Laura Oppegard has been a rock for us this year.” Acreman said. “She plays the game with passion, determination and at high work rate; it will be hard to find someone to fill her place in the future.”

Acreman added, “Laura has been a pleasure to coach as I have never had to question her passion for success.

Acreman said she's looking forward to 2007.

“As with all awards, it is the team that has allowed these players to get recognized,” Acreman said. “The team worked hard this season and I am excited for the future of Murray State Soccer; and looking for much bigger things next year.”

FIRST TEAM

Player, School Yr. Pos.

Leslie King, Morehead State So. GK

Tara Tidwell, Austin Peay Sr. D

Sharon Young, Samford Sr. D

A.J. Brewer, Eastern Illinois Fr. D

Heather Birdsell, Samford Jr. MF

Katie Behrens, UT Martin Jr. MF

Monica Dunham, Austin Peay Fr. MF

Kellie Floyd, Eastern Illinois Jr. F

Rebekah Clay, Murray State So. F

Rebekah Kendall, Morehead State Jr. F

Amber Cress, Samford Fr. F

2006 OVC CO-PLAYERS OF THE YEAR: Kellie Floyd, Eastern Illinois; Sharon Young, Samford

2006 OVC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Leslie King, Morehead State

2006 OVC FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Amber Cress, Samford

2006 BRINE OVC COACH OF THE YEAR: Erin Aubry, Morehead State

SECOND TEAM

Player, School Yr. Pos.

Lindsay Pickering, Southeast Missouri Sr. GK

Lauren Oppegard, Murray State Sr. D

Jessi Wuellner, Southeast Missouri Sr. D

Casey Kraft, Southeast Missouri So. D

Trisha Walter, Eastern Illinois Sr. MF

Margie Schaeffler, Southeast Missouri Jr. MF

Christina Balint, Jacksonville State Sr. MF

Jocelyn Daniel, Tennessee Tech Sr. MF

Rebecca Bohler, Samford Jr. F

Ashley Beck, Austin Peay So. F

Jen Hoffman, Tennessee Tech Fr. F

ALL-NEWCOMER

Player, School Yr. Pos.

Amber Cress, Samford Fr. F

Courtney Alexander, Southeast Missouri Fr. F

Monica Dunham, Austin Peay Fr. MF

Cara Sullivan, UT Martin Fr. GK

Jen Hoffman, Tennessee Tech Fr. F

Georgia Koromelas, Eastern Kentucky Jr. F

Sarah Miller, Jacksonville State Fr. MF

A.J. Brewer, Eastern Illinois Fr. D

Jenny Williams, Eastern Illinois Fr. GK

Paige Lanter, Samford Fr. D

Lindsey Stefanni, Morehead State Fr. MF

Murray State University Athletics

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