May 7, 2007

Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst men's soccer team hosted its annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, May 5. The Lakers went 17-4 during the 2006 fall season, advanced to the NCAA Tournament and were ranked in the Top 25.

Senior Zach Hiltner was named 2006 Most Valuable Player. He was a four-time GLIAC All-Conference player, being named to the second team as a senior. He played in 74 career games and had 14 goals, five assists and 33 career points.

Senior Dan Young was named 2006 Most Improved Player. He was named to the GLIAC All-Academic Team and finished with two goals and two assists for six points. He played in 35 career games for the Lakers.

Freshman Kurt Young was named 2006 Rookie of the Year. Young recorded a stellar rookie year in which he set Mercyhurst records for goals (18) and points (39). He led the conference in both categories, tallying 16 more points and seven more goals than his nearest competitors. Young also tied for the conference lead with five game-winning goals and ended the season as the highest scoring freshman among Division II players, ranking 19th nationally in goals scored. His hat trick against Saginaw Valley on Sept. 30 earned Young both the GLIAC and ECAC Player of the Week honors.