Dec. 14, 2010

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - After claiming a fourth-straight Conference USA Championship, the University of Memphis women's soccer team celebrated the accomplishments of the season with the annual awards banquet.

The winningest class in school history was honored during the banquet with each student-athlete receiving a plaque. Joined by junior Kelsey Robson and redshirt junior Tarah Kerr, the senior class of Brittany Hance, Laura Laufenberg, Ashley Berra, Vendula Strnadova, Amanda Olszewski and Krista Turner the senior class compiled a school record 63 wins in four seasons.

"This group leaves some big shoes to fill for the athletes that will follow them," head coach Brooks Monaghan said. "They have set the tone for this program and I can't thank them enough for what they have given this program. You can't say enough words about each and every one of these individuals because they have played various roles and brought so much to this program on and off the field. I want to wish them the best in life and I hope the experiences they have had playing here will help them in life."

The Tiger Award, given to the hardest worker on the team, was awarded to senior forward Amanda Olszewski. The Pickerington, Ohio native posted two assists on the season. Olszewski earned the Tiger Award for the second-straight season and third time in her career.

Sophomore Bailey Pembroke was honored as the recipient of the Spirit Award. The Spirit Award recognizes a student-athlete who displays the most spirit and encouragement for teammates. Pembroke earns the Spirit Award for the second-straight season.

After making the transition from forward to defender in the offseason, junior defender Lizzy Simonin earned the Defensive Player of the Year award as voted on by her teammates. Simonin earned C-USA Defensive Player of the Year honors, was a First Team NSCAA All-Central Region selection and First Team All-C-USA.

Vendula Strnadova, the C- USA Midfielder of the Year and four-time first team all-conference selection, earned the Offensive Player of the Year award. Strnadova wrapped up her Memphis career with a four goal, six assist campaign in 2010 to climb to fifth place in program history in each category. Starting all 22 matches, Strnadova is tied for the program for matches played with 86 and also holds the record for shots in a career with 246.

The Lady Tigers wrap up the fall semester this week with final exams before shifting their focus to the spring schedule. Memphis opens spring competition March 5th in Little Rock, Ark., with games against Oklahoma State and Oklahoma. Game times and the complete spring schedule will be announced at a later date.