Tufts' Samuelson Nets Player of the Year

HADLEY, Mass. - Tufts senior forward Ariel Samuelson (Newton, Mass.) has been named the 2005 NESCAC Player of the Year, as determined by the conference coaches. Samuelson and the Jumbos are in the midst of a record-setting season, stringing together a program-best 10 wins during the season and an unbeaten streak of 11 games. It is the first time that any women’s soccer player at Tufts has received Player of the Year honors.

Samuelson, who also earned a spot on the 2005 NESCAC All-Conference First Team for the first time in her career, is atop the league in multiple statistical categories. She is currently in a two-way tie for first among NESCAC Players in goals (12) and points (27) with another member of the All-Conference First Team, Bates’ junior forward Kim Alexander (Cumberland, Maine), and Samuelson is also tied for second in game-winning goals this season (3). Joining Samuelson from Tufts on the First Team is sophomore midfielder Martha Furtek (East Falmouth, Mass.), an All-Conference Second Team selection a year ago.

A total of six teams were represented among the 12-member First Team, with the Bobcats of Bates placing three student-athletes on the squad, the most of any team. The junior Alexander was joined by classmate Meg Coffin (Westford, Mass.), both of whom received recognition on last year’s senior-laden All-Conference First Team, and sophomore midfielder Molly Wagner (Longmeadow, Mass.).

Amherst, Bowdoin and Colby each had two players on the All-Conference First Team. The Jeffs saw senior defender Margaret Chute (Pawtucket, R.I.) and junior midfielder Lesley Pruzansky (Saratoga, Calif.) make the team, while the Polar Bears placed senior midfielder Kelsey Wilcox (Cumberland, Maine) and sophomore forward Ann Zeigler (Washington, D.C.) on the First Team. For Colby, juniors Liza Benson (Orchid, Fla.) and Laura Williamson (Manchester, Conn.) also earned First Team honors. Williamson, a forward, was an All-Conference Second Team member last year, while goalkeeper Benson was among the leaders statistically at her position this season, posting seven shutouts through 15 games.

Middlebury senior defender Caitlin Fabian (Short Hills, N.J.) rounded out the NESCAC All-Conference First Team. Her lone goal of the season proved to be the game-winner in a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over NESCAC foe Connecticut College on September 10.

Devin Nwanagu (Westborough, Mass.) of Trinity came away as the NESCAC Rookie of the Year. Nwangu played in all 14 games for the Bantams this season, leading her club in goals (6), assists (3), and points (15). Three of her goals came in league play.

Tufts’ Martha Whiting was the choice among the coaches for NESCAC Coach of the Year Honors. Whiting has guided the Jumbos to a 12-3-1 record so far this season and a berth in the NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament. Whiting last won the award in 2002.