Center defender named Santa Teresa Division Junior of the
Year
MORGAN HILL — As a reward for their 2009 field hockey campaign, which finished a win or two shy of a postseason berth, the Lady Acorns produced three first- or second-team all-Santa Teresa Division honors and one special recognition award.
Center defender Lauren Drewniany headlined the group as league Junior of the Year.
“I was really glad to see that,” Live Oak coach Gina Sanders said. “It’s kind of tough to finish in fourth place because you only get a few all-league awards.
“I’m happy for Lauren. That’s an award that’s voted on by all the coaches in the Santa Teresa Division. They remembered her.”
Senior Niki Patel made the first-team list as a center midfielder/center forward.
“She was a workhorse. Niki never gave up on a play,” Sanders said.
Sophomore Kirsten Doting, last year’s division Freshman of the Year, and senior goalkeeper Margaret Tanner earned second-team honors. Doting ended the season with three assists and a goal, and Tanner totaled 130 saves.
“These four players were players that never came off the field,” Sanders said. “Kirsten started every minute. She’s a developing player. She’s still learning, but she’s going to be even bigger for us next year.
“Margaret was automatic in the cage. She always gave us a big game. She made the difference in a lot of our wins this year. We’re going to miss her.”
The Acorns’ 6-4-3 record in the Santa Teresa standings marked their best league finish yet under Sanders.
