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By Jordean Matthews
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF's women's soccer team received national recognition this week when it was ranked No. 15 by Soccer America. The Knights returned to the Top 25 after finishing the weekend 2-0, winning the Virginia Nike Soccer Classic Title in Charlottesville after defeating No. 16 Penn State (2-1) and Washington State (2-0).
"We have the right group of players that have shown their character and their will to win, said head coach Amanda Cromwell. "Our players play for the team and it is great to see the way they fight in every match. They have shown their hunger for more and that is why we have won these tight games."
After last weekend's performances, two Knights received individual honors as junior Nicolette Radovcic (Rockaway, N.J.) was named to Soccer America's team of the week as well a CollegeSoccer360 Primetime Performer of the week. Radovcic scored two goals against Penn State on Sept. 9 and took four shots for the Black and Gold.
Goalkeeper Aline Reis (Campinas, Brazil) was named to TopDrawerSoccer.com's Team of the Week after she produced her second shutout of the season over Washington State, putting aside four shots.
"All of the individual accolades are great and we are certainly proud of the team's ranking but we are striving for much more this season," Cromwell added
UCF (4-1-1) is one of only two Conference USA teams ranked along with No. 12 Memphis.
Senior Stacie Hubbard (Jacksonville, Fla.) scored her first goal of the season against Washington State on Sept. 11 while junior Tishia Jewell (Satellite Beach, Fla.) scored one goal and collected two assists on the weekend.
Sophomore Marissa Diggs (Rowlett, Texas) collected an assist against Washington State and was named to the All-Tournament Team along with Jewell, Radovcic and Reis who was named the All-Tournament Team MVP.
"Aline has been playing well," said assistant coach Donna Fishter. "She has come up with those top level saves that can be the difference in close games. The team has a great deal of confidence in her and knows that when the team needs her, she will be there."
The Knights return to action Sept. 16 when they host Jacksonville at the UCF Soccer Complex at 7 p.m.