Women's College Soccer

Broncs Honored by CollegeSportsMadness

Four members of the Rider University women's soccer team were named to the College Sports Madness.com All-MAAC team.

Junior Tara Ballay was named the Offensive Player of the Year and was named to the First Team along with freshman Ellie Smith.

“Tara doubling up as MAAC Player of the Year and College Sports Madness MAAC Player of the Year demonstrates how good a player she is and obviously how much we missed her in the playoffs and NCAA tournament where she was only 50 percent fit,” said Rider head coach Drayson Hounsome.

“Ellie Smith had a great freshman campaign so to see her recognized alongside Tara Ballay to the College Sports Madness first team is a great achievement,” Hounsome said.

Sophomore Michelle Iacono and sophomore Heather Maierle were named to the Second Team.

“Michelle and Heather being awarded second team honors is great to see, especially for Heather who for some reason did not get the recognition from the MAAC coaches poll despite being on the MAAC All-Tournament team,” Hounsome said

The CollegeSportsMadness awards should not be confused with the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference awards, which are voted upon by the conference coaches.

The MAAC awards, presented two weeks ago prior to the MAAC Championship tournament, honored Ballay as the Offensive Player of the Year and a First Team All-MAAC performer, along with Iacono. Smith was named to the MAAC All-Rookie team.  Maierle was named to the MAAC All-Tournament team.

The Broncs enjoyed their most productive season in their 18-year history, winning their first MAAC Championship and finishing with an overall record of 12-6-3.

“It was a great season,” Hounsome said.  “In fact the best ever for the program so it is exciting that all of these young ladies (who received CollegeSportsMadness awards) will be returning next year.”

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