MURRAY, Ky. – Freshman defender Stephanie Murray and junior defender Maddy Shumaker were named to the 2008 OVC All-Tournament soccer team on Monday, the league office announced. In the semifinals of the tournament, Murray and Shumaker paced an EKU defense that battled #3 seed UT Martin to a 0-0 tie before the Colonels fell 4-3 in a shootout.

Murray’s outstanding effort in Friday’s tournament game was preceded by solid defensive play all season from the freshman. A native of Whitby, Ontario, Murray played 1,529 minutes this year, fifth most on the team and the most of any freshman. She recorded her first career assist against Southeast Missouri State on Oct. 12, setting up senior midfielder Laura Caldon for the game-winner. Murray was also one of three Colonels to connect on her shot in Friday’s shootout against UT Martin.

Monday’s honor only further highlights Shumaker’s excellent junior season. Already first team All-OVC in the regular season, Shumaker is the leader of an EKU backline that ranked third in the conference in goals allowed (19) and second in shutouts (eight). The West Chester, Ohio native led the Colonels in minutes played (1,776) and only sat out 20 minutes of the entire season. She scored her lone goal of the season against the top ranked Murray State Racers on Oct. 19.


2008 OVC ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

Stephanie Murray, Eastern Kentucky
Maddy Shumaker, Eastern Kentucky
Krista Muilkens, Murray State
Rebekah Clay, Murray State
Danielle Rodgers, UT Martin
Kelly Ann Hutchinson, UT Martin
Jamie Furstenberg, UT Martin
Devon Jordan, Morehead State
Stephanie Gildehaus, Morehead State
Bethany Davidson, Morehead State
Lily Meisner, Morehead State (MVP)