Jan. 3, 2008

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Yale was well represented in the SoccerBuzz.com regional awards. Junior forward Maggie Westfal, who led the team in goals (10) and points (24), earned first team All-Northeast honors. Sophomore defender Sophia Merrifield was named to the second team, while senior goalkeeper Susan Starr earned third team recognition. Forward Becky Brown and midfielder Kate Macauley were both selected to the Northeast Region All Freshman team.

Westfal, a unanimous first team All-Ivy selection, emerged as one of the most dangerous forwards in the league this year. She finished second in the league in goals and points. Four of her goals were game-winners, including one in overtime in Yale's 2-1 victory over Harvard.

Merrifield is a two-time second team All-Ivy selection. This fall, she was one of only five players to start all 17 games. Both of her assists came in Ivy League victories - against Cornell and Brown. She also helped anchor a defense that yielded only 18 goals in 17 games.

Starr, a first team All-Ivy selection, started all 17 games in goal for the Bulldogs. She led the Ivy League in save percentage (.867) and was second in goals against average (0.71).

Brown, who earned honorable mention All-Ivy recognition, was fourth in the league in goals with seven. Four of her goals were game-winners, and she was a two-time Ivy League Rookie of the Week selection.

Macauley earned second team All-Ivy honors in her rookie season. She tied for fourth on the team in scoring with six points (2 goals, 2 assists).

Yale finished with an 11-6 overall record and was 5-2 in Ivy play, which was good for second place.

Report filed by Tim Bennett, Yale Sports Publicity