Grace College freshman Meredith Hollar (left) and sophomore Carianne Sobey (right) have been honored by the Crossroads League (Photos by Jeff Nycz)

WINONA LAKE – To cap off Grace’s best Crossroads League season in program history, the women’s soccer team was honored with five players on the All-Crossroads League Team.

Meredith Hollar was named the Offensive Player of the Year in her first season, and Carianne Sobey was named the Midfielder of the Year after an outstanding regular season.

Also appearing on the All-League Team for the Lady Lancers (10-6-1; 7-1-1 CL) were midfielder Holly Bennett, goalkeeper Carmen Barnhill and defender Heather Martin.

“It is always a real blessing when the league recognizes our players and is truly an honor. We are very appreciative of these awards and will celebrate these together,” said Grace head coach Michael Voss. “We don’t play for the awards, though. We recognize that the team has been honored when we receive individual accomplishments. Because of our possession-attacking futbol, different players will be honored at different times. This is truly a reward for the team as a whole.”

The individual awards are voted on by the Crossroads League coaches. Meredith Hollar was the top vote-getting forward in the CL after an impressive freshman year. The former star at Warsaw Community High School ripped off 11 goals and three assists in the regular season, including eight goals in league play. Her four game-winning goals ranked No. 19 in the NAIA.

Carianne Sobey tied for the CL lead with seven assists (tied with teammate Mallory Rondeau). The sophomore midfielder dished out all seven of her assists in league play. She already ranks third in program history with 24 career assists.

Holly Bennett contributed 12 points in Grace’s midfield with three goals and six assists. She tallied either a goal or an assist in five straight league matches late in the regular season.

Carmen Barnhill was one of two goalkeepers to appear on the All-League Team. She made 81 saves to lead the Lady Lancers to a 10-6-1 record.

Heather Martin picked up her first award from the league. She helped Grace register five team shutouts, limiting league opponents to less an average of less than five shots on goal per game.