Gabby Russo Earns First-Team All-SSC Accolades; Joined by Two Teammates on List

ORLANDO, Fla. - Freshman Gabby Russo became a first-team selection as teammates Shannon Walisch and Emelie Karstrom were also among the 24 student-athletes have been selected as members of the 2011 All-Sunshine State Conference Women's Soccer Team.

Saint Leo's Cassie Barbaresi and Lynn's Melissa Ortiz were chosen as Co-Players of the Year. Ortiz was also tabbed Offensive Player of the Year. Rollins' Michelle Dillingham was recognized as Defensive Player of the Year. Saint Leo's Ari Foreman was named Freshman of the Year, while Lion skipper Ged O'Connor was honored as Coach of the Year.

Earning All-SSC First Team recognition with midfielder Barbaresi, forward Ortiz, and goalkeeper Dillingham were: forwards Dari Alcantara (Saint Leo) and Ali Schrader (Rollins); midfielders Melissa Madrid (Barry) and Russo (Tampa); defenders Aija Bent-Trinder (Saint Leo), Anita Cox (Rollins), and Charlotte Murrell (Rollins); and at-large selections Emma Karp (Barry) and Laura Carstens (Saint Leo).

Named to the All-SSC Second Team were: forwards Casey Lademann (Florida Tech), Chelsea Pushman (Florida Tech), and Pia Soesemann (Saint Leo); midfielders Paula Lillsjo (Florida Tech), Ashley Waplinger (Rollins), and Kelly Whittaker (Florida Tech); defenders Ann-Marie Helgestad (Florida Tech), Lauren Impey (Lynn), and Rachael Reid (Nova Southeastern); goalkeeper Mist Eliasdottir (Florida Tech); and at-large selection Walisch (Tampa).

Tampa goalkeeper Karstrom received honorable mention.

Voting for the All-SSC team was conducted among the league's soccer coaches and sports information directors.

Russo remains among the national leaders as her 12 assists lead all SSC individuals. In 18 matches, the freshman also scored four goals to go with a team-leading 20 points. She also registered a pair of game-winning goals, including the deciding goal at Nova Southeastern.

Walisch teamed with fellow defensive expert Charlotte White to limit opponents to just 5.7 shots per games, including just 2.4 on target. The sophomore led all Spartans with 1,516 minutes played.

In her first season at Tampa, Karstrom notched an 11-4-2 overall record to go with six shutouts. The sophomore allowed just 10 goals while facing 92 shots to finish with a 0.59 GAA.

2011 ALL-SUNSHINE STATE CONFERENCE WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM
FIRST TEAM
F - Dari Alcantara, Saint Leo, Senior
F - Melissa Ortiz, Lynn, Senior
F - Ali Schrader, Rollins, Junior
M - Cassie Barbaresi, Saint Leo, Senior
M - Melissa Madrid, Barry, Junior
M - Gabby Russo, Tampa, Freshman
D - Aija Bent-Trinder, Saint Leo, Senior
D - Anita Cox, Rollins, Junior
D - Charlotte Murrell, Rollins, Senior
GK - Michelle Dillingham, Rollins, Senior
At-Large - Emma Karp, Barry, Sophomore
At- Large - Laura Carstens, Saint Leo, Freshman

Co-Player of the Year - Cassie Barbaresi, Saint Leo
Co-Player of the Year - Melissa Ortiz, Lynn
Offensive Player of the Year - Melissa Ortiz, Lynn
Defensive Player of the Year - Michelle Dillingham, Rollins
Freshman of the Year - Ari Foreman, Saint Leo
Coach of the Year - Ged O'Connor, Saint Leo

SECOND TEAM
F - Casey Lademann, Florida Tech, Senior
F - Chelsea Pushman, Florida Tech, Junior
F - Pia Soesemann, Saint Leo, Senior
M - Paula Lillsjo, Florida Tech, Senior
M - Ashley Waplinger, Rollins, Senior
M - Kelly Whittaker, Florida Tech, Junior
D - Ann-Marie Helgestad, Florida Tech, Senior
D - Lauren Impey, Lynn, Junior
D - Rachael Reid, Nova Southeastern, Senior
GK - Mist Eliasdottir, Florida Tech, Senior
At-Large - Shannon Walisch, Tampa, Sophomore

HONORABLE MENTION
GK - Emelie Karstrom, Tampa, Sophomore