SMITH, PLAUTZ NAMED MVPS AT AWARDS BANQUET-TEAM HONORED FOR NCAA TOURNAMENT APPEARANCE
January 26, 2004

Amanda Smith was selected Offensive MVP and named Most Valuable Player for the 2003 season during the annual Lakeland College women's soccer team banquet Sunday. Briana Plautz was honored as the Defensive Most Valuable Player.

Smith, a junior forward from Neenah, was named the 2003 Lake Michigan Conference Player of the Year for women's soccer. Smith led the Muskies to their second straight LMC title and first NCAA Tournament appearance in the program's history. Smith was the LMC's top scorer with 13 goals and 8 assists for a total of 34 points in only 5 conference games. The talented junior finished the 2003 season with 31 goals and 11 assists for 73 points overall.
Plautz, a sophomore back from Green Bay, was instrumental in leading the Muskies defense while contributing 1 goal and 9 assists on the season. She was named All-Conference for the second year in a row.

Other award winners included seniors Michelle Schleh, Amy Freier, Amy Herzfeldt, and Meghan Wudtke.
Schleh, a four year starter at outside back from New Holstein, helped anchor the defensive unit. Another senior honored for her achievements was forward Amy Freier from Sheboygan. Freier finished the season with 5 goals and 9 assists and was a wonderful compliment to Player of the Year Amanda Smith. Freier was named to the LMC Honorable Mention team.

Two players that have been instrumental in the success of the Muskies over the past four seasons are seniors Amy Herzfeldt (Appleton) and Meghan Wudtke (Elk Grove, IL). Herzfeldt a four-year starter for the team prevailed through the season with 12 goals and 2 assists despite battling many injuries. Herzfeldt was named to her fourth consecutive 1st Team All Conference team. Wudtke was also a four year 1st Team All Conference performer. Wudtke, the LMC Conference Player of the Year in 2002, sacrificed her scoring to play in the midfield this season. Wudtke finished the season with 7 goals and 3 assists, but ended a great career with 88 goals, 32 assists, and 208 points-which places her 1st in all-time goals and points at Lakeland.

Sophomore Nicki Smith was rewarded for her two years of dedication to the Muskies. Smith, a midfielder from Neenah, will be leaving after two great seasons for the Muskies to complete her nursing degree at Bellin College of Nursing as part of partnership with Lakeland College. Smith was an LMC Honorable Mention performer this season.
Freshman midfielder Lorine Weiss from Wilmot received the Coach's Award for her dedication and team spirit for the women.
Marc Colwell and assistant coach Julie Loppacher coach the women's team. Colwell was named LMC Coach of the Year for second season in a row.