CALI LASATER NAMED KCAC FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Putting together one of the best seasons in Avila women’s soccer history – regardless of age – Cali Lasater has been named the KCAC’s Freshman of the Year, the conference announced today. The KCAC awards are determined by a vote from the conference’s head coaches.

Lasater leads the KCAC with 11 assists and is tied for sixth with nine goals scored. Her 29 total points this season puts her No. 4 in the KCAC.

“We are really proud of Cali, we had high hopes for her coming in,” said Avila head coach Katie LaForge. “We’ve had a longstanding relationship with her and she has blown me away in a lot of ways. The most impressive is that she came out playing like herself. For forwards, there is this whole idea of being in form – Cali went through a phase during the season where she wasn’t finding the back of the net, but she was able to, in lots of other ways, find a way to contribute. Now she is peaking and coming into her own at the perfect time.”

“She was able to do her thing and be herself and it’s paying off.”

Following Tuesday’s KCAC Quarterfinal win over Evangel, Lasater has a point in six-straight games and recorded at least one point in 12 of Avila’s 19 games played.

“This is an incredible honor to win and I am really excited to be able to share this win with everyone who has helped me get to this point,” Lasater said. “I want to thank Coach Katie and the entire coaching staff, plus all of my incredible teammates and give all glory to God. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to be in this position. Winning this award is very special, but the real goal is to continue our team success for the remainder of the season.”

The freshman from Gardner, Kan., currently leads the Eagles in points and assists, is tied for first in goals scored and her two game-winning goals this season is the second-highest total among all Avila players.

Lasater joins teammate Addison Yinger (Newcomer of the Year) as the first two recipients of a KCAC individual award in Avila’s program history.

Lasater and the Eagles face York on Friday night in Wichita, Kan., in the KCAC Tournament Semifinals. Tickets for the match at the Stryker Sports Complex can be purchased HERE.