Following the first Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association regular season championship since 1999, three players from the Kalamazoo College women's soccer team continued to accumulate individual postseason accolades in a release from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
Christina Dandar and Paige Sambor were named to the NSCAA All-Central Region Second Team for their efforts during the 2016 campaign. Grace Smith was a Third Team All-Central Region selection.
Dandar, a junior defender from Harrison Township, Mich., was a staple on the backline for the Hornets all season long. She helped lead the team to seven clean sheets while also recording one assist in 2016. Dandar was an All-MIAA First Team pick and also named a Third Team Academic All-American.
"Starting every game, Christina severely limited the opposing teams' best attackers' ability to impact matches," Kalamazoo Head Coach Bryan Goyings said.
Sambor, a senior midfielder from Bloomfield Hills, Mich., provided a steady presence in the middle of the park throughout 2016. She scored four goals, including two game winners, while also dishing out two assists in her holding midfield role. She was honored with an All-MIAA First Team selection earlier this month.
"Paige's presence allowed us to control the midfield in numerous games throughout the year," Goyings said.
Smith, a senior goalkeeper from Portage, Mich., proved to be the top goalkeeper in the MIAA in the fall campaign. Her five clean sheets during conference play were tied for the most among all league goalkeepers. She, also, was rewarded with an All-MIAA First Team selection.
"Grace was the foundation of the team's stout defending with her timely saves and consistent game management," Goyings said.
This is the first time in the careers of Smith and Dandar they've been awarded All-Region honors. Sambor was named an All-Region Third Team selection after the 2014 season.
"To have three players recognized by the coaches throughout the region is a tremendous accomplishment for each of the women and the program as a whole," Goyings said. These accolades are yet another indication of the outstanding season which the team put together."