Ward, Bianca, Johnson and Doolen members of All-Conference Team

HERKIMER, NY – The Herkimer Generals women’s soccer team had four players selected to the 2015 Mountain Valley All-Conference Team - one striker, two midfielders and one defender.

The lone striker was Teigha Ward (Ilion, NY). The sophomore was second in the nation in goals (27) and seventh in assists (15), totaling 69 points for the Generals in 18 games played. Those 69 points was also the second best total nationally, helping the team to consecutive conference championships for the first time since 2005-2006.

Selected to as midfielders were Michaela Bianca (Guilderland, NY) and Grace Johnson (Tully, NY). Bianca accumulated 14 goals and assists in 20 games played in 2015 which was the eighth and third best regionally. Helping the sophomore to those figures was one hat trick and three multi goal performances, netting goals in just under half the games she played in. As for Johnson, the freshman had her season cut short due to injury, but it didn’t stop her from collecting 10 goals and five assists in 15 games. Two of those goals came against nationally ranked Brookdale (#1) and SUNY Broome (#5) at home in consecutive games, propelling her team past the Jersey Blues and Hornets with game winners.

Sophomore Nicole Doolen (Ilion, NY) was Herkimer’s final selection, chosen as a defender. She helped the team total 17 shutouts and outscore opponents 73-to-6 in 20 games. That wasn’t it however as Doolen managed four goals and eight assists in her first six games played, finishing the season with five goals and eight assists.

“I’m proud of these four and the recognition they received from the conference,” said Head Women’s Soccer Coach Ryan Brooks-Newton. “Collectively they did everything that I asked of them, and even more, bringing our program consecutive conference championships which is something we haven’t done as of late.”

-Giorgio Varlaro