3 minute read

Rustlers soccer wraps year as ACAC award winners

Pluhator and Hockley selected for women’s soccer awards

2 assists, while Hockley was third in the league in assists with 7, helping their team to a 5-5-2 record.

Advertisement

Head coach, Doyle Church, was quick to thank those who came before him on the growth of the program this year.

“As a program, some of the credit must go to previous coach Wendy Wagner for the work she did last year with the team as well as the recruiting,” he said.

the North Division team last year.

Having already coached with the Rustlers as an assistant last year, Church noted a marked improvement in Hockley’s game.

“I think we’ve found a role she enjoys and has the attacking freedom that suits her strengths on the ball,” he said.

wasn’t surprised to see her involved with the team’s increase in goal production.

“With four goals and two assists in 12 games, she’s come up with the right movement and runs at the right time for us,” Church said.

“She has shown maturity and a good work ethic, I fully expect her to build upon this season heading into futsal.”

The Rustlers women’s team is already heading into futsal training, with competition coming in January.

Weekend Scores

The Lakeland College Rustlers women’s soccer improved their record from last year, along with their total of all-star selections.

Darian Pluhator was named Alberta Col - leges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Women’s Soccer North Division Rookie of the Year and joined teammate Megan Hockley on the North Division All-Conference squad.

The Saskatoon native tied for the team lead in goals with 4, adding

“We found a way of playing to put everyone’s strengths on display and to complement each other. Three years in a row now we have had all-conference players, and we are certainly heading in the right direction.”

Hockley is receiving her second All-Conference selection after making it in 2021-2022.

Rustler alumni Kyla Franks was named to

“The work she put in defensively made it easier for the players around her and allowed us to win the ball back in great areas.”

“It’s her second allconference in three years, she has been a consistent and reliable performer for us this year.”

Pluhator made an impression early in the year, becoming a more and more important part of the team’s offence.

Church said he

Men’s soccer trio selected as All-Conference winners

Lakeland’s Mens soccer team came up just short in a tough ACAC North this fall, but several players’ efforts were recognized by the ACAC.

Third-year forward Nathan Tran, fourthyear midfield Hani Tekheste and secondyear goalkeeper Nic Filipovic were all named to the ACAC North Division All-Conference team.

Tran had a breakout 2023 among league leaders in points throughout the season, finishing with 8 goals and 17 points. He did this while missing games midseason.

“Nathan has shown maturity and confidence in his attacking position on the team,” head coach Kevin Wagner said. “If not for a knee injury he would have likely added to his points.”

Tekheste had a much improved season from last year, anchoring the team’s midfield and lead- ing the league in assists with 6. He also finished second in the league in total shots. Wagner complimented Tekheste for taking on more responsibility this season.

“Hani arrived fit at training camp, showed confidence, maturity and was willing to do whatever it took to help his team,” he said. “Well deserved.”

In goal, Filipovic continued to show progress from when he first came to Lakeland. He was in net for all seven Lake - land victories, earning multiple shutouts and finishing fifth in both saves and goalsagainst-average.

“Nics award really shows what growth he’s had since last year as a rookie and work that he and his GK Coaches have put into the position,” said Wagner.

The three will participate now in the upcoming futsal season, with training starting in the next couple of weeks.

On the ice ...

Friday, Oct. 27

Lloyd Bobcats At Okotoks Oilers – 6-3 L

Lloyd Bandits vs. Wainwright Bisons – 4-3 L

Saturday, Oct. 28

Lloyd Bobcats At Canmore Eagles – 5-2 W

Lloyd Bandits vs. Cold Lake Ice – 5-4 W

Lakeland College Rustlers At SAIT –4-2 W

Lloyd U18 AAA Green Mile Lancers vs. Sherwood Park Kings – 3-2 W

Lloyd U17 AAA Rohan vs. Fort Sask. Rangers – 3-3

Lloyd U18AAA PWM Steelers At Rocky Mountain Raiders – 2-1 W

Lloyd U18 AA Musgrave Agencies Steelers At Sherwood Park Fury – 4-1 W

Lloyd U15 AA Richardson Jewellery Steelers vs. Calgary Fire – 3-1 W

Lloyd U13 AA Western Financial Steelers vs. Edmonton Ice White – 9-1 W

Sunday, Oct. 29

Lloyd Bobcats At Calgary Canucks – 6-2 L

Lakeland College Rustlers At SAIT – 5-2 W

Lloyd U18 AAA Green Mile Lancers At Fort Sask Rangers – 3-1 W

Lloyd U17 AAA Rohan Lancers At Knights of Columbus Centennials – 4-1 L

Lloyd U18AAA PWM Steelers At Calgary Fire – 6-0 L

Lloyd U18 AA Musgrave Agencies Steelers At St. Albert Sharks – 4-1 W

On the court ...

Friday, Oct. 27

Lakeland WBB At King’s University 79-61 W

This article is from: