WINTER 2023-2024 27 The Patriots’ success was headlined by a clean sweep of the league’s awards. Tufts was named the Lone Star Conference Player of the Year and was also tabbed as both the league’s Newcomer and Forward of the Year. Rachel Allen garnered LSC Defensive Player of the Year honors, while Michelle Gonzalez was named the LSC Midfielder of the Year. Carmen Lopez garnered Goalkeeper and Freshman of the Year honors, and second-year head coach Marcus Wood and his staff were selected as the LSC Coaching Staff of the Year. Men’s Soccer On the men’s side, DBU won their final two games of the regular season to claim a third-place finish in the Lone Star Conference standings, qualifying them for the LSC Tournament for the second consecutive year. Playing host to Texas A&M International in the first-ever conference tournament match at Patriot Soccer Field, DBU reached the semifinals after surviving double overtime and advancing with a 4-3 edge over the Dustdevils in penalty kicks. The Patriots would eventually reach the LSC Championship for the first time in program history after knocking off West Texas A&M, 5-4 in penalty kicks. Junior forward Peyton Voelker became the all-time leader in goals scored in DBU Men’s Soccer history during the 2023 season. He capped off the year as a First Team All-LSC selection and was also named to the All-South Central Region Team. Women’s Cross Country In Women’s Cross Country, DBU reached the NCAA National Championships for the third straight year and the seventh time in program history. Facing the nation’s elite, the Lady Patriots posted a 25th-place team finish and were led by freshman Lesli Salas, who finished 52nd with a personal record time of 20:55.8 in the 6K event that featured 264 runners. Jenna Howard was across next, securing 113th with a time of 21:45.2. Running in third position for the Lady Patriots was Jetzibe Trevino, racing her personal-best mark of 22:05.3 to place 151st. Megan Smith finished in 160th, ending her cross country career with a personal record of 22:09.7. Rounding out the scoring was KayCee Keller, placing 208th with a time of 22:42.6. DBU LSC Women’s Soccer Champions Women’s Cross Country at NCAA National Championships Alexander Knepper
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