Six Pioneers Named All-ACAA

The Alfred State women's soccer team was well represented as the 2018 All-ACAA teams were announced this afternoon. Six Pioneers earned honors with Michayla Salatel (Geneseo), Allison VanScoter (Arkport), and Madison Papaj (Holley) leading the way. Salatel was named co-Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, VanScoter was named the Defensive Player of the Year, and Papaj (Holley) was named co-Goalkeeper of the year. Joining Salatel, VanScoter, and Papaj on the 1st team were Carissa Pompa (Rochester/Mercy) and Melissa Mineti (Livonia) while Maggie Meyer (Red Creek) was a 2nd team selection.

Salatel wrapped up her four-year career by leading the Pioneers in goals (15), points (35), and shots (92). She scored in 11 games this season and had three multi-goal games including recording a hat trick vs. Pitt Bradford. Four of her goals were game-winners and she finished her career with 42 goals. 

VanScoter was a consistent force in the defensive backfield for the Pioneers. She appeared in all 18 games and scored two goals on five shots. She was key in helping a defense that recorded 10 shutouts and held opponents to just 17 goals.

Papaj had a stellar freshman season in net for the Pioneers. She appeared in 16 games (1,3742:42 minutes), made 81 saves, and had a 1.05 goals against average. She recorded eight shutouts on the season.

Pompa was 2nd on the Pioneers with nine goals, two of those goals were game-winners. In matches vs. Morrisville and Pitt Bradford she recorded a pair of goals. On the year, Pompa recorded 19 points.

Mineti completed her third season wearing the blue and gold and led the team in assists from her midfield position. She finished the year with five goals and eight assists (18 points). In the ACAA semifinals, Mineti assisted on the opening goal and then scored the game-winning goal vs. SUNY Delhi. 

Meyer also had a solid freshman campaign from her midfield position. She netted eight goals and passed out two asssists. Two of her goals were game-winners. 

The Pioneers finished the 2018 season with a 12-3-3 overall record. They advanced to the ACAA Championship match for the second straight season and tied Thomas More (KY) in the championship but the Saints were declared the ACAA Champs after penalty kicks. The twelve victories were the most since the 2013 season.