Jan. 13, 2005

Columbia, Mo. - Continuing to receive post-season accolades, two Mizzou soccer players earned recognition as Soccer Buzz All-Central Region selections. Receiving honors, 2004 Tiger scoring leader Jennifer Nobis and defensive midfielder Elyse Nikonchuk were both named to the Central Region third team.

A 2002 Soccer Buzz Central Region All-Freshman selection, Nobis picked up her second Soccer Buzz accolade after leading the Tigers in scoring with nine goals, three assists and 21 points. Highlighting the year, Nobis scored a point in 11 of Mizzou's 20 games, including goals five against Top 25 programs including #10 Illinois, #16 Wisconsin, #4 Florida, #9 Kansas and #6 Texas A&M.

In addition to her scoring prowess, Nobis also served a valuable playmaking role dishing the game-winning assist to aide Elyse Nikonchuk against #23 Colorado. She also recorded a dual assist game helping Mizzou best Loyola-Chicago, 2-1.

The junior rounded out the regular season scoring the game-winning goal against Alabama A&M to lead the team with two game-winning goals. Receiving conference accolades, Nobis was also honored as an All-Big 12 second team selection.

Sophomore Elyse Nikonchuk

Sophomore Elyse Nikonchuk, a 2003 Soccer Buzz Central Region All-Freshman selection, ended the 2004 season tied for sixth on the team in overall points (6). Scoring a goal against Alabama A&M and putting in the game-winning goal against #23 Colorado, Nikonchuk also dished out two assists on the year helping Nobis score against Northwestern and Shea Swoboda score the game-tying goal against Oklahoma.

On the defensive front, Nikonchuk dominated the midfield winning over 70 percent of ball in the air within her contention. Highlighting the season, she overpowered #23 Colorado's Fran Munnelly, the 2003 Big 12 Player of the Year, winning 18-of-20 balls in the air. Receiving league recognition, Nikonchuk was also honored as an All-Big 12 Conference second team selection.