Dec. 19, 2007

Kansas City, Kan. - For the second year in a row, Katy Tafler was named to the National Soccer Coaches' Association of America (NSCAA) All-American First Team. This year, Tafler was joined by teammate Sue Christenson, who was named to the NSCAA All-American Third Team. Tafler and Christenson helped Grand Valley State University compile a program-best 21-1-1 record this season, as well as a second consecutive trip to the NCAA Final Four.

Tafler led Division II in goals per game (1.57) and points per game (3.70) for the second year in a row. She is a two-time NSCAA First Team All-American and a three-time member of the NSCAA Great Lakes Region First Team. Tafler set school records for goals (36) and points (85) this season, and is GVSU's career leader in goals (94) and points (216). Her 28 assists put her third on GVSU's all-time charts.

Christenson became Grand Valley State's all-time leader in games played (85) after the team's Final Four match against Tampa on Nov. 29. Last season, she was a member of the NSCAA Great Lakes Region Second Team. This year, she was a first team all-region selection on her way to becoming a third-team all-american. Christenson anchored a Grand Valley defense that allowed only 10 goals all season long, culminating in the only match that the Lakers allowed more than one goal in all year long, a 2-1 loss to Tampa.

Emily Berner, Kristina Nasturzio and Meaghan Robinson were all named to the NSCAA Great Lakes Region Second Team, as well. Berner finished her career 10th on GVSU's all-time games played list at 74. Nasturzio is the single-season record holder at Grand Valley State in goals-against average (0.37), as well as the career record holder in shutouts (30) and goals-against average (0.37).

In addition, Grand Valley State earned the NSCAA/adidas Women's Team Academic Award. Under head coach Dave DiIanni, the Lakers compiled a team GPA of 3.40.