POLK COUNTY, Fla. – After a banner year for Polk State Soccer in which the Eagles reached the national NJCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009, six players will be taking home All-Region 8 honors.
Forward Jillian Johnson and defender Jo Boivin each earned first-team honors.
Forward Raisa Lugo, midfielder Celine Ottah, defender Sierra Seipler, and goalkeeper Sophia Nicholls all earned honorable mention recognition.
Johnson finished as the nation’s leader in assists with 22. She scored nine goals this season and ranked third on the team in total points with 40.
Boivin, Seipler, and Nicholls were a big reason for Polk State’s stellar defense. The Eagles ranked 15th nationally and led Region 8 with goals against an average of 0.90 for the season.
Nine of Polk State’s 18 victories this season were shutouts. Seipler recorded one assist this season while Nicholls ranked 14th nationally and led Region 8 with a .811 save percentage.
Despite ranking second nationally in points (71) and goals (27), and third in assists (17) and shots (91), Lugo settled for honorable mention honors.
Outside of her Polk State teammates, Lugo’s 71 points and 27 goals were more than twice as many as the next closest player in Region 8.
Ottah also ranked in the top 15 nationally in points with 44 on the season and sixth with 14 assists. Her 15 goals were good for third on the team.
With a record of 18-2 under third-year Head Coach Jess Belli, the Eagles finished 1-1 in the NJCAA Tournament. The South Atlantic District champion, Polk State claimed both the Region 8 regular season and tournament championships and earned the No. 4 national seed in the NJCAA Tournament.
All-Region 8 Selections
First Team
- Jo Boivin, D, sophomore
- Jillian Johnson, F, sophomore
Honorable Mention
- Raisa Lugo, F, sophomore
- Sophia Nicholls, GK, sophomore
- Celine Ottah, M, freshman
- Sierra Seipler, D, sophomore
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