3 GRINNELL WOMEN’S SOCCER PLAYERS COLLECT ALL-MIDWEST CONFERENCE HONORS; EDWARDS IS REPEAT SELECTION

Central Dutch Athletics

GRINNELL, Iowa – Grinnell College’s women’s soccer team enjoyed another strong season and today reaped the rewards by having three players named to the 2017 All-Midwest Conference Team.

Lauren Edwards ’20 repeated as an All-MWC pick and was named to the first team along with Valencia Alvarez ’20. Francesca Varias ’18 was tabbed for the second team.

Edwards, a defender, was a second-team pick last year. She anchored a stingy Grinnell defense that posted five shutouts this year and limited teams to less than a goal-and-a-half per contest. Additionally, she had a goal and two assists.

Alvarez, a forward, ranked third in the MWC in assists with six and eighth in points with 18. She led Grinnell in both of those categories, as well as goals with six as the Pioneers finished 10-7 and qualified for the MWC Tournament.

Varias, a midfielder, was also an offensive force for Grinnell and shared the team lead in goals with six while also posting four assists and 16 points. She helped the Pioneers earn their 16th trip to the MWC Tournament in the last 19 years.

Individual MWC awards went to St. Norbert College’s Madalyn Sanderfoot (offensive player of the year), Knox College’s Jenna Milligan (defensive player of the year), Monmouth College’s Devin Cross (newcomer of the year) and Monmouth’s Nick Rizzo. Lawrence University claimed the sportsmanship award.