Storrs, Conn. (UCFKnights.com) – The American Athletic Conference announced its annual women's soccer awards Tuesday and several Knights were recognized, including junior captain Saga Fredriksson who was named Co-Defensive Player of the Year.
"We're very proud to have all four players recognized by the league," head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak said. "Saga is a selfless leader and a huge part of the success of our team. She's often been our unsung hero with a tireless work ethic. I'm thrilled to see her recognized for her efforts."
A consummate leader and teammate, Fredriksson's tenacity on the field has earned her the respect of opponents and coaches around the league. Anchoring the Knights defensive line at left back, Fredriksson has appeared in all nine conference matches and logged more than 800 minutes this season. She was also named to the Second-Team All-Conference squad.
Three more Knights received conference honors Tuesday including senior Carol Rodrigues who was named First-Team All-Conference and junior Morgan Ferrara who claimed a Second-Team All-Conference nod.
"Carol and Morgan have led our attack for most of the year," Roberts Sahaydak said. "They've accounted for the majority of our scoring and each has the ability to change the game with something amazing."
Freshman Zandy Soree was named to the AAC All-Rookie Team after having an immediate impact in her first season as a Knight.
"We knew we were adding a special player when Zandy joined us at UCF," Roberts Sahaydak said. "It's never easy to predict the level of impact a freshman will have, but Zandy proved herself immediately and I believe she will have a very bright future."
Knights by the Numbers (AAC)
• Fredriksson started eight games and logged 813 minutes.
• Rodrigues and Ferrara each notched four goals, one assist, and nine points.
• Ferrara buried two game-winning goals, and led the Knights with a .412 shots-on-goal average.
• Soree notched three assists, five starts and seven appearances and was the first option to handle corner kicks when in the game.
• The Black and Gold finished with a regular season conference record of 4-4-1 and earned the No. 6 seed in the conference tournament.
