The University of Akron Athletics
Amato Named to Mid-American Conference All-Freshman Team
November 03 | Women's Soccer
AKRON, Ohio – Freshman Ashley Amato (Pittsburgh, Pa.) was named to the Mid-American Conference All-Freshman team for her performance throughout the 2016 season and league play, announced by the MAC on Thursday.
"Very pleased that she was recognized by the coaches," said Noreen Herlihy. "She was our top scorer in the MAC and also had the most goals in the MAC as a defender. She has a bright future ahead of her."
Amato started all 19 games for the Zips on the backline defense that forced three shutouts, all in conference play, against Miami, NIU, and Western Michigan.
The freshman defender was also the Zips second-leading goal scorer on the team after tallying four goals throughout the season and led the team with three goals in MAC play.
Amato scored her first career goal on Sept. 4, against non-conference opponent Cleveland State in the Zips 4-2 come-from-behind victory over the Vikings.
Her first conference play goal was a critical score for the Zips against Toledo. Trailing 1-0 in the final minute of play, Amato headed the ball into the back of the net off a free kick to tie the game at one and force overtime.
In total, Amato posted four goals, eight points, 17 shots, nine shots on goal, a .529 SOG%, and a .235 Shot%. In MAC play, the defender posted three goals, six points, nine shots, and four shots on goal.
POSTSEASON HONORS
2016 All-MAC First Team
Alyssa Heintschel, Ball State, GK
Leah Mattingly, Ball State, D
Lorina White, Ball State, D
Alexis Pelafas, Central Michigan, F
Eliza Van De Kerkhove, Central Michigan, MF
Ellie Tillar, Eastern Michigan, MF
Paige Culver, Kent State, D
Jenna Hellstrom, Kent State, F
Taylor Sarver, Northern Illinois, F
Isa Echeverri, Toledo, MF
Alyssa Burke, Western Michigan, MF
2016 All-MAC Second Team
Chay McNitt, Ball State, MF
Erica Hubert, Bowling Green, F
Julia Benati, Buffalo, MF
Angel Hart, Buffalo, D
Carissima Cutrona, Buffalo, F
Angel Hart, Buffalo, D
Madison Pogarch, Central Michigan, D
Kaylin Williams, Eastern Michigan, GK
Donavan Capehart, Kent State, F
Abbie Lawson, Kent State, MF
Brittany Maisano, Kent State, D
Alivia Milesky, Ohio, MF
Kiersten Johnson, Toledo, F
Liz Abro, Western Michigan, MF
2016 Offensive Player of the Year
Jenna Hellstrom, Kent State
2016 Defensive Player of the Year
Lorina White, Ball State
2016 Freshman of the Year
Sabrina McNeil, Eastern Michigan
2016 Coach of the Year
Rob Marinaro, Kent State
2016 All-Freshman Team
Ashely Amato, Akron, Defender
Julia Elvbo, Ball State, Forward
Sam Kambol, Ball State, Forward
Yela Ziswiler, Ball State, Defender
Maureen Kennedy, Bowling Green, Defender
Gurjeena Jandu, Buffalo, Defender
Marle Bringard, Central Michigan, Midfielder
Sabrina McNeill, Eastern Michigan, Forward
Sierra Henderson-Muschett, Kent State, Defender
Regan Fleck, Miami, Defender
Alivia Milesky, Ohio, Midfielder
