Dec. 10, 2000

Columbia, Mo.--The University of Missouri women's soccer team honored the 2000 Tigers with an awards banquet Sat., Dec. 9. Hosted by the Kickers Club, the MU soccer booster club, the ceremony honored the 2000 soccer players for their dedication and hard work throughout the season.

Junior Dyana Russell was honored as the Defensive Player of the Year. Freshman Melissa McLellan was named the Most Improved Player of the Year and Nikki Thole was selected as the Offensive Player of the Year. Other athletes receiving honors were Colleen McCarthy who posted a team high 3.77 grade point average to be named to Scholar Athlete of the Year and, team captain Mandy Waters was given the MU Kickers Club Leadership Award sponsored by Fred and Kathleen Tonnies.

Mizzou rounded out the 2000 season with a 10-10 record and a fifth-place ranking in the Big 12 Conference (5-5). The season took on the aspect of a roller coaster ride, reaching various ups and downs. Despite the turbulence however, the team emerged to a strong and confident finish advancing to the Big 12 Championships.

The Tigers worked through a tough non-conference and league schedule. Eight of MU's losses came at the hands of teams ranked in the Top 25 at sometime throughout the season, including No. 3 ranked Nebraska, No. 6 ranked California and No. 9 ranked Texas A&M. Adding to Missouri's victories, the Tigers boast a win over No. 17 ranked Florida State (2-1).

Missouri was also able to garner league honors placing three athletes to the Big 12 all-conference teams. Thole was named to the first team, Russell was selected to the second team and freshman Adriene Davis was named to the all-freshman team.