Cressy, Dolinsky Named All-Big 12

Nov. 3, 2008

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Emily Cressy

Kansas soccer freshman Emily Cressy was named the Big 12 Rookie of the Year, while teammate Monica Dolinsky earned All-Big 12 First Team honors as the conference handed out its yearly awards Monday evening.

Cressy, a freshman forward from Ventura, Calif., becomes the first Jayhawk to earn the conference’s Rookie of the Year distinction. She scored seven goals and collected three assists during the regular season, including three game-winning goals. Cressy served notice early on, scoring goals in KU’s first three contests, including a goal in the Jayhawks’ 3-0 upset of then-No. 20 Purdue. She scored four of her seven goals in the final 10 minutes of play, including decision tallies against Auburn and UCF. Along with being selected Rookie of the Year, Cressy was also named to the All-Newcomer team.

Dolinsky, a junior from Carmel, Ind., becomes the first Jayhawk to be named All-Big 12 First Team since Caroline Smith and Holly Gault received the honor in 2005. The 5-foot-5 midfielder rebounded from a sub-par year as a sophomore to lead the team in goals (eight) and points (22). Not only did she put up terrific numbers, she made her numbers count as 14 of her 22 points (five goals, four assists) either tied the score or gave the Jayhawks the lead.

Oklahoma State head coach Colin Carmichael earned the conference coach of the year, while Cowgirl forward Yolanda Odenyo was named the Offensive Player of the Year. Texas defender Kasey Moore and Colorado’s Michelle Wenino were tabbed the Defensive Players of the Year.

Kansas (11-7-1) will participate in the Big 12 Soccer Championship, beginning Wednesday with a first round match against No. 8 Texas A&M. Kick off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from Blossom Soccer Complex in San Antonio, Texas.