FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Evan O’Kelly Director of Communications O: (406) 657-2130 E: evan.okelly@msubillings.edu Wednesday, October 19, 2016 Lubieniecki leads quintet of ‘Jackets on academic all-GNAC team
Lubieniecki wins academic all-GNAC honors for the third straight season, headlining a group of five from MSUB’s women’s soccer team to earn the award. PORTLAND, Ore. – Senior captain Dana Lubieniecki headlined a group of five players from the Montana State University Billings women’s soccer team to earn Great Northwest Athletic Conference all-academic honors announced the conference office on Wednesday. Lubieniecki was one of 13 players in the league selected to the academic all-conference team for the third straight season, and was one of three repeat selections for the ‘Jackets. Fellow senior captain Kari Kastelic and junior Jessica Spang were each picked for the second year in-a-row, while sophomores Lili Delgadillo and Jordan Devoto each earned their first academic recognition. “I am extremely happy for these players and how well they represent our program,” said MSUB head coach Wojtek Krakowiak. “They have put in a lot of long hours to put themselves on the academic list, and we as a program are very proud of them. It is a great reward to be recognized by our conference.”
Lubieniecki leads the team with five goals and 12 total points this season, while starting all 13 matches as a midfielder. She is completing a degree in health and human performance, and holds a cumulative grade point average of 3.82. In her third season with the ‘Jackets, Kastelic has played every minute of her career as a center back including 1,218 minutes in 13 starts this season. She has recorded two assists on the year and also has two goals in her career. Kastelic holds a 3.90 grade point average while studying finance. Spang, MSUB’s other repeat selection to the academic list, has also started all 13 matches and has scored one goal in her junior season. She holds a 3.62 GPA while studying elementary education. Delgadillo is MSUB’s starting goalkeeper, having made 67 saves and holding a goals-against average of 1.63 while playing every minute of the season. Delgadillo is a health and human performance major who carries a 3.90 GPA. Also in her first year of eligibility for the award, Devoto has scored two goals and added an assist while starting nine games and playing in all 13 as a forward. Pursuing a general studies degree, Devoto holds a grade point average of 3.93. Players who are in at least their second year competing with their current school, and who hold a grade point average of at least 3.20 are eligible to receive academic all-conference honors. “These young women have shown that you can balance academics and athletics at the same time, and are great examples for our younger players,” Krakowiak said. “This is definitely well-deserved and earned recognition, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.” The ‘Jackets continue their season this week with road matches against conference opponents Saint Martin’s University on Thursday at 3 p.m. Mountain time, and Seattle Pacific University on Saturday at 2 p.m. Mountain time. --@MSUBSports | #JacketNation--