Four Named to NSCAA/adidas Women’s Soccer Scholar All-West Region

BILLINGS, Mont. – Four Montana State Billings women’s soccer players were named to the 2008 NSCAA/adidas Women’s Soccer Scholar All-West Region team.  Senior defender Sara Gress was a first team selection, while senior midfielder Melissa Carlson and senior Mandy Ploskonka were named honorable mention, as well as junior forward Chelsea Libby.

"I'm proud of all four student-athletes for being named to the Scholar All-West Region team,” head coach Don Trenham said.  “They work very hard to achieve success in both the classroom and on the field, and it is great to see the NSCAA and adidas recognize them for their success as student-athletes."

The Yellowjackets were the only school in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference to have anyone named to the team.

Gress, a native of Boise, Idaho, carried a 3.77 grade point average in environmental studies this season.  On the field, she was the only Yellowjacket who played every minute helping the team to a 10-10 record.  She was one of five players to play and start all 20 games.   Gress tallied two goals and one game winner this season.  She was a first team all-league performer this season as well.

Academically, Gress helped lead the Yellowjackets to the NSCAA/adidas team GPA award with a 3.37 cumulative team grade point average this fall. Gress also was one of eight MSUB student-athletes named to the GNAC Scholar-Athlete team this fall.  MSUB tied for third with Northwest Nazarene with eight on the team.

Carlson, a native of Renton, Wash., tied for second on the team in goals scored with four and was fourth in points with 10.  She has one game winner.  In the classroom, Carlson excelled as well as she had a team-best 3.92 grade point average in health and human performance.  She was named CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-Region first team as the only Yellowjacket to earn that prestigious honor.  Carlson also was an academic all-conference selection.

Federal Way, Wash., native, Ploskonka, had a 3.44 grade point average in public relations.  On the field, Ploskonka tied for the team lead in points with 13 and was tied for second in goals with four.  She tied for the team lead in assists with five.  Ploskonka was one of five Yellowjackets to play and start all 20 games.  She was an academic all-conference selection as well.

Libby, a native of Puyallup, Wash., scored three goals and had one assist this season.  She had a 3.41 grade point average in health and human performance.  She played in all 20 games and started 17 at forward.  Libby also was named to the academic all-conference team.