OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The Association of Division III Independents released its All-Independent Teams and Awards on Tuesday. A total of eight Illinois Tech women's soccer players earned spots on either the first or second teams, with one individual award also earned.
Julia Taliana shined in her freshman season for the 2017-18 Scarlet Hawks en route to being named the All-Independent Rookie of the Year and AD3I First Team. She led the Division III Independents with 10 assists and 90 shots. The California native also had 17 goals with three game-winners as well as 44 total points, all of which led the Scarlet Hawks. She started 18 games for Illinois Tech and paved the way offensively for her new team.
Katie Hoefgen was a force from the Scarlet Hawks attack this season and earned AD3I First Team honors. She had 16 goals on the year with three game-winners and 41 points overall, third among AD3I players. Hoefgen totaled nine assists as well. The junior served as one of the centerpieces of the Scarlet Hawk offense for the 2017-18 season.
Katherine Nishimoto was also named to the AD3I First team after a solid 2017-18 season on the back line for the Scarlet Hawks. Besides providing stingy defense, she added two assists on the year. The junior refined her craft as top defender among the Division III Independents, playing in and starting 18 games this year.
Elizabeth Bremer recorded a solid season in goal for Illinois Tech in 2017-18, worthy of AD3I First Team Goaltender distinction. In her first season in net, she ranked first in the Division III Independents with eight wins and five shutouts. The converted field-player also had a goals against average of 1.91 and a save percentage of .726 on the year. Bremer's growth as the season progressed was important to the Scarlet Hawks' second half success this season.
Kirsten Robinson was also named to the AD3I First Team as a midfielder after logging a great 2017-18 season. She finished with nine assists on the year, tied for second overall among Division III Independents. The junior totaled 15 points on the year and 42 shots. Robinson also added three goals for the Scarlet Hawks.
Freshman Erin James rounds out the AD3I First Team honorees for the Scarlet Hawks at the midfield position. She contributed a great deal during her first season with six goals, six assists, and 18 points. James also finished with 35 shots on the year, 10th best among AD3I.
Madison Harris was named to the AD3I Second Team as a defender. She played in and started 18 games for the Scarlet Hawks on the 2017-18 season. The sophomore developed into a top defender among the Division III Independents and for the Illinois Tech defense.
Brianne Dane had a great freshman season for Illinois Tech and was named to the AD3I Second Team. The forward scored eight goals—which was sixth in the Division III Independents rankings—with a .286 shooting percentage. One of those goals was a game-winner.
The Tech women's soccer team finished the year with an 8-10-1 record.