RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Colorado School of Mines women's soccer senior Nicho Cusack and juniors Jayln Yates and Rachael Turner were recognized as first-time Daktronics NCAA Division II Women's Soccer All-Americans on Wednesday.
Cusack and Yates became the third and fourth individuals in program history to receive Daktronics First Team All-America merit, joining Kayla Mitchell (2006-10) and Megan Woodworth (2009-12), while Turner garnered praise on the 13-player Third Team.
Tied for second among Orediggers with three goals, Cusack leads the women with two scores in the NCAA postseason, including the deciding marker in the 45th minute against St. Edward's in the second round.
A native of Golden, Cusack twice earned RMAC Defensive Player of the Week merit during the season. The RMAC Defensive Player of the Year recorded her first collegiate score and the game-winner at Colorado Mesa on Oct. 10.
Turner, a three-time all-region choice and two-time All-RMAC First Teamer, owns two goals – both game-winners – and one assist with 17-of-37 shots on frame.
The centerpiece to the team's transition game, Turner has keyed Mines to first in the RMAC in goals (33), second in points (88), third in scoring offense (1.43 gpg) and fourth in assists (22).
The Spring, Texas product scored the go-ahead goal against Colorado Christian on Sept. 21 and New Mexico Highlands in the conference tourney on Nov. 7 en route to RMAC All-Tournament Team praise.
Yates is No. 1 among Division II goalkeepers in goals against average (.246) and save percentage (.924) with 73 saves on 237 shot attempts, and ranks third in minutes played at 2198:43.
The two-time RMAC Goalkeeper of the Year and conference record holder in shutouts, Yates has the top three single-season shutout totals in Mines archives, including a program-best 17 thus far in 2014.
Entering Thursday's semifinal, the Highlands Ranch native sits seventh in the Division II career record book with 40 blank sheets.
Yates is a five-time all-region honoree, three-time all-conference recipient and two-time RMAC Tournament MVP.
Powered by the trio, the Orediggers (16-1-6, 11-1-2 RMAC) rank No. 1 nationally in goals against average (.245), save percentage (.926), shutouts (18) and shutout percentage (.783).
Sports information directors from NCAA Division II schools and conferences selected the three Daktronics All-America teams. The process begins at the regional level with all first-team all-region picks advancing to the national ballot. This year represents the eighth year that Daktronics has sponsored the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer All-America and all-region teams. A total of 54 student-athletes representing 36 different institutions filled out the three teams and the honorable mention squad.
Daktronics, Inc., an acknowledged world leader in scoring, timing and programmable display systems for virtually every sport at every level of competition, serves as sponsor of the team. The NCAA Division II members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (D2SIDA) vote on the team.
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