Seven women's soccer players named to All-Independent teams

ORANGE, Calif. - Coming off its best season since 2006, seven Chapman University women's soccer players have been named to the Association of Division III Independents All-Independent Women's Soccer Teams, with three players garnering first-team honors. This marks the first time that the Chapman women's soccer team has placed seven players on the All-Independent Teams with its previous high being four in 2008.

In 2009, the Panthers equaled their most wins since the 2006 season with 12 and were three wins short of the all-time wins mark of 15 set in 2003 when the team went 15-5. Chapman began its 2009 season with six-consecutive wins but struggled down the stretch by losing four-of-five games to close out the season.

Selected to the first team are senior F Stephanie Lambrakis and D Kim Grant along with sophomore M Kate Lilly. This is the second All-Independents selection for Lambrakis who in 2009 led the Panthers in scoring with 21 points for a total of nine goals and three assists. Lilly, also a two-time All-Independent selection finished second on the team in points with 12 adding five goals and two assists while Grant tallied a goal and an assist.

Junior F Claire Callister and sophomore GK Chloe Canta have been named to the second team. Callister finished third on the team with four goals while starting 18-of-19 games. Meanwhile, Canta who was in her first season as the primary goalkeeper started 17-of-19 games while posting a 1.12 goals-against average with 75 saves.

Rounding out the Panthers' seven All-Independent selections are senior M Megan Tharp and junior D Nicole Santo who were selected to the honorable mention team. Tharp led the team with seven assists.

The Association of Division III Independents consists of 14 Division III independent institutions that have joined together to recognize student-athletes at independent institutions, and to provide exempted postseason championship competition. The Association recognizes outstanding athletic achievements of its student-athletes on a weekly, monthly and annual basis. The Association provides statistical services for its members in seven sports. In addition, it will announce All-Independent teams at the conclusion of eight other sports this year.

More information about the Association of Division III Independents is available at http://www.d3independents.org.

by Chris Watts
Sports Information Assistant