Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Soccer Hosts Postseason Banquet
February 26, 2009 | Women's Soccer
Feb. 26, 2009
LUBBOCK, Texas - The Texas Tech soccer program recently celebrated its 2008 season at its annual postseason banquet, held on the club level in Jones AT&T Stadium in front of players, staff and athletics department personnel.
While the banquet was a way to celebrate the season, it was also a final goodbye for graduating seniors Tina Rincon and Shannon Sims. Rincon leaves the Red Raiders after setting the school's career shutouts record earlier this season, while also putting herself among the top three in several career and single-season categories. Sims was a three-year starter Tech, who off the field would be awarded numerous times for her work in the classroom.
Among the events' speakers were Tech Athletics Director Gerald Myers, Senior Woman Administrator Dr. Judi Henry and Senior Associate Athletic Director Steve Uryasz, who was also presented an appreciation award for his efforts with Tech's new facility, the John Walker Soccer Complex.
The team awards were presented as followed:
Team MVP: Taylor Lytle. Returning a year following knee surgery that caused her to miss her first season on campus, Lytle was instrumental in Tech's improved offensive performance, netting five goals, while adding eight assists, one short of tying the school single-season record. Her eight assists also moved her within the top 10 all-time on the school's career assists chart after only one season.
Offensive MVP: Taylor Lytle.
Defensive MVP: Tina Rincon. In her final season in goal, Rincon posted five shutouts on the way to setting the school record for most shutouts over a career. Rincon collected 84 saves on the season, while also playing every minute in goal. She graduates among the top three all-time on the school career saves list and has also posted three of Tech's top 10 single-season saves totals.
Newcomer of the Year: Casey McCall. While not always seen on the box score, McCall was key in Tech's defensive efforts that allowed Brittney Harrison to move to forward. While leading the Red Raiders in minutes played, McCall netted her only goal Sept. 7 against Alabama A&M.
Most Improved Player: Emmie Bennett. Despite missing five matches early in the season due to injury, Bennett made the move to defender towards the end of the season and helped anchor Tech's backline.
The Red Raiders finished the 2008 season 8-10-1 overall and 3-7-0 in Big 12 play, advancing to the Big 12 Championship where Tech eventually fell to Oklahoma State, 3-0.
Tech will begin its spring schedule Sat., Feb. 28, in Austin, Texas, in a doubleheader against Houston and the University of Miami (Fla.). Kickoff for the Houston match is set for 10 a.m. at the Williamson County Regional Park.
