Soccer Receives SSAC Postseason Honors

The Brenau soccer team wrapped up the 2014 season with five seniors being recognized by the Southern States Athletic Conference for their individual contributions.

After being ranked #17 in the preseason NAIA Women's Soccer Coaches Poll, Brenau rose as high as #16 nationally and played the most rigorous schedule in program history.

Senior Elizabeth Campbell was chosen by the conference coaches as a first team All-SSAC selection. The defender from Richmond Hill, Ga. was also both a 2013 first team SSAC selection and NAIA Honorable Mention All-American.

Seniors Vanessa Alexander, Tori Brown and Jenny Knibbs were also honored for their performances with second team SSAC honors.

Alexander, a 2013 second team SSAC selection, was second in goals scored (8) for Brenau this season. The Toronto, Canada native also added four assists and was second on the team in total points.

Brown tops off a decorated career as a Golden Tigers with her fourth All-SSAC honor. The Windermere, Fla. native was named a First Team SSAC selection in 2011, 2012 and 2013 as well as twice being named to NAIA Honorable Mention All-American teams.

Knibbs, a second team SSAC honoree, led the Golden Tigers with 15 goals and was ranked in the top-30 nationally in total goals. The London, England native was also a second team SSAC selection in 2011.

Shelly Restificar was named to the SSAC All-Freshman team. The Rock Hill, S.C. native started all 18 games in the Golden Tigers defensive backfield.

Senior defender Anna Garrett was selected as the Brenau Champions of Character recipient for representing the NAIA core values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship and Servant Leadership.

The Golden Tigers faced seven opponents that were ranked nationally or receiving votes, including six teams in the top 15, four of which were in the top 10 and with two of the schools being ranked at #1 at some point during the 2014 season.

During their rigorous schedule, Brenau lost five of those matches by only one goal each and tied another, as six of their eight losses came against nationally ranked opponents.

The Golden Tigers graduate ten seniors from the 2014 team and will return seven letter winners to the 2015 squad.