Nov. 14, 2006

ERIE, Pa. - Finella Annand and Sarah Powell of the Mercyhurst College women's soccer team were named to the 2006 Daktronics Great Lakes Region women's soccer first team, as voted on by the region's sports information directors.

Annand anchored a Mercyhurst defense that surrendered just 17 goals in 20 games. The unit shut out nine opponents, allowed more than one goal on just five occasions and more than a pair only once. A team captain, the versatile Annand spent time at both back and midfielder. She scored one goal, a game-winner, and assisted on three others. A three-time All-GLIAC selection, she finished her career with 16 goals and 15 assists for 47 points.

Powell, from McKean, Pennsylvania, finished second in the conference in points with 46 and tied for second with 18 goals and 10 assists. In just two seasons, the forward has tallied 35 goals and 26 assists for 96 points.

Grand Valley State's Katy Tafler was named Great Lakes Region Player of the Year. The sophomore forward was also the 2006 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Player of the Year.

Joining Annand and Powell on the all-region team are sophomore goalkeeper Kristina Nasturzio (Grand Valley State), freshman forward Becky Fleming (Quincy), junior midfielder Kristie Smilanich (Ferris State), junior midfielder Jamie Shadd (Gannon), junior midfielder Lindsay Ewert (Rockhurst), senior defender Laura Gentry (Quincy), junior defender Sue Christenson (Grand Valley State), and senior defender Katie Ales (Grand Valley State).

Grand Valley State's Katy Tafler was named Great Lakes Region Player of the Year. The sophomore forward was also the 2006 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Player of the Year.

All 11 first-team selections will now be placed on the national ballot for All-America consideration.

The Lakers finish 2006 with a 16-4 record, tying for the second most wins in school history. The team was nationally ranked for most of the season and advanced to the NCAA Championships, losing in the semifinals at the Great Lakes Regional.