Two Falcons Named to NSCAA All-America First Team
Posted: 12/18/2008
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For the first time in Messiah Women's soccer history two players were named to the NSCAA NCAA Division III Women's Soccer All-America First Team.  Seniors Avie Fitzgerald (State College, PA) and Stef Rowe (Milton, PA) completed their outstanding careers with this special recognition.  Avie and Stef were integral parts of the 2007 team that went a perfect 17-0 in regular season play.  The Falcons (23-1) advanced to the NCAA Division III National Championship game before falling to Wheaton, IL by a 1-0 score.

Fitzgerald played in a defensive mid-field role where she was a key figure in a defense that allowed just seven goals on the year.  She also had a great ability to start the attack and find the open player or change the direction of play.  She will finish her career ranked 10th on the Career Points list with 57.  She dished out 25 assists, fifth overall on the Career Assists list, and tallied 16 goals over her four years.  She was named to the All-Commonwealth Team four consecutive years and was honored on the All-Region team in 2006 and 2007.

Rowe is now a two time First Team All-American.. Stef was named All-America in 2006 as well as being honored as the Commonwealth Player of the Year last season.  Stef finished her career with 61 goals, the most ever by a Falcon.  Her 138 Career Points places her at #2 on that chart (61 goals, 16 assists).  She led Messiah in scoring his past fall with 42 points including a team high 19 goals.  Stef is a three time All-Commonwealth and All-Region selection. 

Avie and Stef have been a part of four Final Four teams in their careers at Messiah. In 2005 they helped the Falcons to their first NCAA III Women's Soccer National Championship.  They leave Messiah with a career record of 83-5-4 and a regular season record of 63-1-1.