For those of you just joining us, welcome to the second annual midseason 'Princey' Awards, the only official awards ceremony endorsed by this author.
On today's show, we will hand out some beautiful hardware to a few very lucky ladies from the women's soccer team. Everyone seems to have arrived on time, and you can almost feel the nervous tension in the air. I see junior defender Brea Griffiths chomping on her nails in the corner and sophomore midfielder Maura Gallagher has broken into a full-on sweat. So, without further ado, the awards:
Rookie of the Year. Meghan Farrell, Forward.
Not only is Farrell the only rookie to score this year, this 'diaperdandy' has become a dangerous threat up top that opposing teams have to mark carefully. Farrell has three goals and two assists on the season. The highlight of her season came against Brown when Farrell scored the game-winner in overtime to lift Princeton to a 1-0 victory.
Breakout Performance. Liz Bell, Midfield.
The senior captain has started all but one game in her four-year career, and she generally enjoys leaving the spotlight to others from her defensive center midfield position. But Bell has broken into the headlines this year, shedding the cloak of defenders' obscurity. She scored her first collegiate goal in the Tigers' Ivy League opener against Yale, a game Princeton wound up winning 4-2. Though Bell still makes her impact felt in a primarily defensive way, she should be a candidate for national honors once the season ends.
Unsung Hero. Romy Trigg-Smith, Defense.
Though this award is generally reserved for Bell, Trigg-Smith has been as instrumental to the team's success as any single player on the field. Asked by head coach Julie Shackford to step in for All-Ivy defender Heather Deerin '03, the sophomore responded. In perhaps her most impressive performance of the year, Trigg-Smith single handedly broke up two scoring opportunities in overtime against instate rival Rutgers. A native of Hawaii, Trigg-Smith will have to play well in the October and November cold if Princeton has a chance of going far in the postseason.
Cannot Stop Smiling. Elizabeth Pillion, Midfield.
As one of the first subs off the bench for Shackford, it is no wonder Pillion provides such a spark. Her demeanor tells you nothing; she might score, lose, or be after it in a rough and tumble street fight, and that smile can't seem to hibernate. When asked where all her happiness comes from, Pillion could only muster that ear-to-ear grin. This author is still waiting for a reply.
Best Junior Outside Defender from Canada Named Willis.
Tie: Janine and Rochelle. The twins are at it again this year, making athletic plays that shame the forwards they cover. Janine has one assist on the season while Rochelle has four points on a goal and two assists. But their biggest contribution stems from speed and a superior understanding of angles and defense. With the Willis twins guarding the lines, opponents have consistently struggled to use the outskirts of the field, and counterattacks up the side have yielded little more than disappointment for opposing attackers.
Most Valuable Player. Esmeralda Negron, Forward.
It's cliché and overdone to give the MVP to an offensive player, but Negron has left little choice. The junior has 11 goals in Princeton's 12 games, including a goal in each of the team's first seven contests. She is fourth all-time on Princeton's single-season records for goals and points this year, and Negron has also been climbing the ladder in career goals. The New Jersey native now stands in fourth place with 24 goals in her three years, and the 53 points she has accrued places her sixth all-time in that category.
Though she does not overuse fancy footwork and ball tricks, Negron has a knack for the goal and knows how to free herself up. When not using pure speed moves, Negron relies on one of the deadliest cutbacks in the game today. She has come close to breaking many a defenders' ankle with her stop-on-a-dime ability.
Thanks for joining us today. Please tune in next time for Radio Clowns Who are Allergic to Makeup.
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