Women's Soccer | November 5, 2014

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PHILADELPHIA – Kelsey Haycook earned Offensive Player of the Year and Kerri Aiken earned Defensive Player of the Year while head coach Paul Royal was named Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year for the third time, the conference office announced Wednesday.

"We're incredibly proud of the recognition our young ladies have received from the Atlantic 10 coaches," said Royal. "Especially our seniors who have worked so hard over the years to make our program what it is today."

Haycook, who was recently voted to appear as a semifinalist for the 2014 Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy, earns Offensive Player of the Year after pacing the Atlantic 10 in game-winning goals (eight), total goals (18), and points (39). She ranks second, third and seventh, respectively, in the country in those categories. This season, the Point Pleasant, N.J. native became La Salle's all-time leader in goals (58) and points (138). Haycook also earned a spot on the All-Academic team, carrying a 3.79 GPA as a nutrition major.

Aiken was tabbed Defensive Player of the Year after anchoring a backline that tallied seven shutouts and allowed a league-best three goals in A-10 play to help the Explorers go 8-0 in conference. The Vorhees, N.J. native started every game, and led the defense in scoring with three goals.

Royal earns his third Coach of the Year award after remaining unbeaten in the A-10 regular season for the third time in four seasons. Royal is 127-93-21 in 12 seasons at La Salle, and the Explores have captured three regular-season titles, back-to-back A-10 Championships, and made three consecutive NCAA tournaments during his tenure.

"I'm also incredibly proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of Ally, Melissa & Jamie as well as Adam Edwards for bringing out the very best in our girls and for making this program one of the nation's best," Royal added.

Joining Haycook and Aiken on the First Team are Maryam Huseini, Paige McDowell and Jessica Wiggins. Huseini earns a First Team nod for the second straight season after the midfielder piled up 11 assists to become La Salle's all-time leader with 37 career assists. Huseini's 3.81 GPA as a psychology major also earned a spot on the All-Academic team.

McDowell, a freshman, was named a Primetime Performer by CollegeSoccer360 earlier this season and started every game as a fixture on La Salle's backline. Wiggins led the league in saves (95) this season and was stellar in conference play, surrendering only three goals in eight league games for a .38 goals against average. Wiggins maintains a 3.72 GPA as a speech pathology major, and was also voted to the All-Academic team.

Forward Kristin Haugstad joins McDowell on the All-Rookie team after registering 13 points in her freshman campaign. The Nesodden, Norway native finished tied for seventh in the conference with five assists. Haugstad also netted four goals, including the game-winner against Duquesne (10/31).

"The greatest quality about this team is that they're so happy for their teammates and their honors, but they'll also be the first to tell you that this team is still in search for our program's next step," said Royal.

The Explorers will face eighth-seeded Massachusetts in the opening match of the 2014 Atlantic 10 Championship at 11 AM on Thursday.