Seven Crusaders Earn All-SCAC Honors
November 3, 2023
The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) released their Women's Soccer All-SCAC teams this afternoon following the conclusion of the first semifinal between the University of Dallas and Trinity University at the SCAC Soccer Championship in Houston, Texas. Seven student-athletes from the University of Dallas were selected for this year's teams.
Andrea Coppi, Claire Reed, and Britney Zapata all received second-team honors. Coppi played all 17 matches, making 13 starts this season. She was nominated as a defender, though she remained one of UD's primary goal scoring and chance creation threats on the outside all season. Reed led the Crusaders in points for the third year in a row, notching 11 points with three assists and a team-leading four goals. She missed just one match this year, starting in all 16 games she was available. Zapata was right behind Reed for the points lead with eight this season, recording three goals and two assists as one of the preeminent and fastest threats in the conference on the wings.
Ella Charles, Courtney Fuqua, and Alyssa Mencacci all received honorable mentions. Charles solidified herself as the Crusaders starting goalkeeper at the start of the conference schedule, playing in all 17 games this year and making 14 starts. On top of being an excellent shot stopper, Charles established herself as one of, if not the best playmaking goalkeeper in the conference with footwork that rivals even the most skilled center midfielders.
Fuqua more often than not provided a spark off the bench as an outside defender, making 15 appearances with six starts this season. Her pace and her intelligence made her difficult to beat one-on-one, and she showed excellent attacking instincts as well as the stamina for getting up and down the pitch. Mencacci is a familiar name on these lists, with two first-team selections, a second-team selection, and a Newcomer of the Year award under her belt. Though she was not as productive on the scoresheet as previous years, Mencacci provided a vital link between the backline and frontline with her work rate and positioning in center midfield.
Haley Cline was named to the All-Freshman Team. The young forward played in all 17 games this year, making nine starts. She showed a knack for being in the right place at the right time, and has pace and skill on the ball to go along with it, making her difficult for outside backs to defend.
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