(Photo courtesy of Spring Arbor Athletics Website)
By, Christopher Bauman | JTV Sports | November 17th, 2018
Spring Arbor- The Spring Arbor University women’s soccer team had six players named to the 2018 All-Crossroads League Teams, released by the league office on Monday. The Cougars had four first team selections and two honorable mentions. Bethany Balcer was named the league’s Player of the Year, Casandra Besteman the Midfield Player of the Year and Jason Crist the Coach of the Year.
For the fourth consecutive season, Balcer was recognized as the league’s top player after helping guide Spring Arbor to its eighth straight regular season title and ninth tournament championship in as many years. The senior from Hudsonville, Michigan ranks first in the league in points (60) and goals (26) while ranking third in assists (8). Balcer already owns the program’s all-time scoring record, now with 124 career markers, but she has also cemented herself as one of the best goal scorers in NAIA history, currently ranking seventh in the record books.
Besteman, earning her second straight all-league honor, was chosen as the Midfield Player of the Year by the league coaches. The senior has made a huge impact for the Cougars over the last two seasons, especially on the defensive end. This season, SAU has allowed six goals in 19 matches and only three in nine league contests. Along with her outstanding defensive play, the Hudsonville, Michigan native has also scored one goal and been credited with three assists this season.
Joining Besteman and Balcer on the all-league team was senior midfielder Lauren Orr and junior center back Malorie Henderlong, both earning their first all-league selections. Orr and Henderlong have been key factors in the Spring Arbor’s success this season, anchoring the league’s stingiest defense. The Cougars posted 14 shutouts while allowing just six goals in 19 matches.
Earning an honorable mention nod were freshman Makenzie Selvius and senior goalkeeper Allison Keizer. Selvius has made an immediate impact in her rookie season with seven goals and six assists. Keizer has been a steady force between the pipes as well, boasting a 13-1-1 record with seven shutouts and allowing just five goals in over 1300 minutes of action this season.
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