The Northeast Conference announced its regular season award winners for women’s soccer on Nov. 1, and the Central Connecticut State University Blue Devils made their presence evident.
Central took up a conference-leading three spots on the All-NEC First Team, as well as one winner each on the All-NEC Second Team and the NEC All-Rookie Team.
On the First Team for the Blue Devils were senior Giavanna Inzerillo, junior Aoife Horgan, and junior Charlotte Simmons.
Joining them on the Second Team was sophomore Kiley Yepes, while freshman Emma Radoncic represented Central on the All-Rookie team.
Inzerillo was also awarded the NEC Offensive Player of the Year. She was the far and away NEC leader in both goals, with 15, and points, with 36. She also placed in the top five in shots, shots on goal, assists, and game-winning goals.
While pleased with her regular season performance, Inzerillo stressed the importance of playing as a team.
“Coming into the season, I always want to accomplish as much as I can,” Inzerillo said. “But I have ten other people and a bunch of people on the sideline cheering me on, so it’s motivation that comes within.”
Horgan received an individual honor as well, winning NEC Midfielder of the Year. Placing in the top five in the conference in goals, assists, points, game-winning goals, and shots on goal, Horgan created a formidable offensive attack alongside Inzerillo.
Horgan echoed the importance of team play as a factor in her great season.
“Individually, I set my goals, but it’s a team effort at the end of the day,” Horgan said. “I wouldn’t have been able to get that award without anybody else.”
Joining Inzerillo and Horgan on the First Team, Simmons’ impact on defense did not go unnoticed. She was a huge factor in Central’s stifling defense, a unit that allowed just 22 goals all season.
In the postseason, she came up big on defense when the team needed her and was a massive reason that tournament MVP Melina Ford was able to dominate in goal.
Simmons also attributed her award to the team as a whole.
“It’s an honor, but it took everyone to get there,” Simmons said. “There’s no award on a soccer field that you can get by yourself. It was definitely a team effort.”
