RIPON, Wis. – The Midwest Conference (MWC) was honored with three women’s soccer players named to the 2011 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-North Team. St. Norbert freshman Katie Vanden Avond was named to the second team while Carroll senior Leah Wiercinski and Lawrence senior Mallory Koula were both third team selections.

Vanden Avond was named MWC Co-Offensive Player of the Year after a spectacular freshman campaign that ended in a MWC Women’s Soccer Tournament finals appearance. She finished the regular season as the leading goal scorer in the nation with 28 and also led the league with 64 points and eight assists. Vanden Avond scored an average of 3.20 points per game and contributed six game winning goals.

Koula was named Co-Offensive Player of the Year in the MWC after leading Lawrence to a MWC Tournament berth. She finished the season third in the conference in both points (45) and goals (20) while scoring five game winning goals which was good for second in the league. Koula also set a NCAA record during the regular season when she scored three goals in a 42 second span against Beloit on October 15 which shattered the previous record of 1:07. Koula finished her Viking career with 63 goals which is a school record.

Wiercinski led Carroll to a three-way share of the Midwest Conference Championship and earned a berth to the NCAA Championship Tournament after claiming the MWC's tournament title. She spearheaded a Pioneers defense that led the league in shutouts (10), goals against average (0.98) and goals allowed (21). Along with her defensive responsibilities she also scored three goals and assisted on six others to finish tied for fourth on the team with 12 points.

[Full All-Region Team]