Trio of Women’s Soccer Players Receive All-Atlantic Sun Honors
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – For the first time since the 2009 season, the Belmont women's soccer team has three players garner All-Atlantic Sun Conference honors. Senior Gretchen Sutch (Knoxville, Tenn.) and sophomore Nicole Berner (Randolph, N.J.) were tabbed Second Team while Alison Alcott (Dallas, Texas) was named to the All-Freshman Team. This marks the seventh consecutive season that at least two Bruins have been named to the elite teams.
For the third year in a row, Sutch has earned postseason distinction with this season marking her second time on the Second Team. One of only two Bruins to start and play in all 16 contests, the defender played 90 minutes or more on 10 occasions. Heading into postseason play, Sutch leads the team in minutes played (1,285), points (7), shot percentage (.375) and assists (3). The Knoxville, Tenn., native is currently tied for 10th in Atlantic Sun only games in goals (3). Sutch was one of the anchors of the defensive line that helped Belmont close regular season with over 223 scoreless minutes, including a dramatic shutout victory over Florida Gulf Coast that gave the Bruins the No. 4 seed heading into the A-Sun Tournament.
Berner continues to prove why she is one of the top goalkeepers in the Atlantic Sun with this season's recognition. The leader of Belmont's goalkeeper corps, the sophomore logged over 1,372 minutes between the posts, finishing the season with a 7-7-1 overall record. Among A-Sun goalkeepers, the Randolph, N.J., native stands fourth in shutouts (5), sixth in GAA (1.25), and seventh in saves (65) and save percentage (.774). She closed regular season with over 223 scoreless minutes in goal. Berner currently leads the program in all-time GAA (1.28) and stands fourth all-time in career shutouts (7) after only two years.
After a standout rookie campaign, Alcott was named to the All-Freshman Team. Her award marks the sixth consecutive season a Bruin has been named to the newcomer team. Alcott was the only freshman and only one of two Bruins to start and play in all 16 regular season contests, going on to finish second on team in minutes played, logging 1,250. She was also an integral part of the defensive line that helped BU close the regular season with over 223 scoreless minutes.
"It is a great honor to have these young ladies and our program to be recognized by the other coaches in this conference," said Head Coach Heather Henson. "We appreciate the coaches for recognizing the contributions these ladies have given to this team. These young ladies truly deserve this honor for hard work, consistent play and devotion for their team. "
Belmont returns to action on Saturday, October 29 in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic Sun Tournament. The No.4 Bruins host No.5 North Florida beginning at 2 p.m. at E.S. Rose Park.
