DENVER – Five members of Seattle University women’s soccer have been named 2018 All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC), the conference announced Tuesday. Rachel Bowler and Hannah Carrothers were chosen First Team, with Jessie Ray, Holly Rothering, and Isabelle Butterfield taking Second Team honors.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our team and how they competed in conference play,” said Coach Julie Woodward, who has guided the Redhawks to their seventh straight WAC Tournament appearance. “Our players selected to the all-conference teams have been crucial components to our success. This group has done a great job leading our team and showing up to every game and practice ready to compete and give their best.”
The Redhawks defense was stellar in conference play, allowing just six goals in eight league matches. Bowler and Carrothers were vital as SU compiled four WAC shutouts.
Bowler, a junior from Honolulu, Hawai’i, started all eight WAC contests at right back. She tallied three goals and an assist, including a two-goal performance in the Redhawks’ 4-3 win at CSU Bakersfield on Oct. 5.
Carrothers, a native of Tsawwassen, British Columbia, started all eight conference games at left back this season. The senior captain notched three assists and was a steady presence on the attack. She earned All-WAC Second Team honors in 2017.
“Rachel and Hannah have contributed immensely on both sides of the ball this year,” said Woodward.
Ray started seven WAC games at forward, putting up three goals and dishing out a team-high five assists. The junior from Portland, Ore., scored twice in a win over California Baptist on Sept. 28 and then contributed three assists in the win at CSUB on Oct. 5. Ray was an All-WAC Second Team selection last year.
“Jessie just continues to get better every game,” said Woodward. “She’s so productive for us and is a true goal-scorer.”
Rothering, a native of Mill Creek, Wash., started all eight league games at midfield, logging two goals and an assist. The junior scored the game-winner in SU’s win over WAC regular-season champion Kansas City on Oct. 21.
Butterfield, a senior captain, started every WAC game at midfield. The Bellevue, Wash., scored two goals in her playmaking role for the Redhawks. She has started all 82 games in her SU career.
“Izzy and Holly are our workhorses,” said Woodward. “They cover so much ground and contribute both defensively and offensively for us.”
Seattle U earned a first-round bye in the WAC Tournament and will play on Friday against the winner of Wednesday’s UTRGV/CSU Bakersfield game at Utah Valley.