CONFERENCE RELEASE

RICHARDSON, Texas -- Three Concordia University Texas women's soccer players were honored by the American Southwest Conference following the 2009 season in a statement released by the conference office on Thursday morning.  Sophomore midfielder #Kiera Ruck# headlined the Tornados' selection after being named Third Team All-ASC.

"I'm really excited for all three of these players," said Concordia head women's soccer coach Corey Holton.  "They are all very deserving of these awards."

Ruck led the Tornados in scoring for the second straight season after racking up six goals in 2009.  Ruck also led CTX in attempted shots (66), shots on goal (26) and game-winning goals (3).  Ruck kicked off the season in style by scoring the game winner against Huston-Tillotson on Sept. 1.  She lifted CTX over Louisiana College on Sept. 17 after netting the game winner on a penalty kick.  Her final game winner of the season came on Oct. 9 in a 1-0 win at Schreiner.

"It's the second year in a row that Kiera has received honors from the conference," Holton said.  "She has the potential to really improve next season.  She is certainly a leader for us."

Sophomore defender #Lauren Browning# and freshman goalkeeper #Teysha Sivage# each were honored by the league's coaches after being named all-conference honorable mention.

Browning played in 17 games, battling a knee injury in most of those contests.  As the anchor of the Tornados' defense, Browning helped CTX post four shutouts in 2009.

"LB was an anchor for us in the back this season," said Holton.  "She is one of the better leaders on our team both on and off the field."

Sivage's first collegiate season helped the Tornados in setting a new school record for wins.  CTX won all of its games with Sivage in net.  The freshman goalkeeper played in 12 games in net, stopping 75 shots and recording three shutouts.  Sivage posted a season-high 12 saves in 2-1 overtime losses to East Texas Baptist (Oct. 17) and Texas-Dallas (Oct. 31).

"I'm psyched for Teysha," Holton said.  "To receive honors as a freshman, it shows her what she can achieve in the future.  Keeping healthy in the future will help her go far and lead our club."

Concordia finished the 2009 season with a 5-7-1 overall record, including a 3-9-1 mark in the ASC.