SEARCY, Ark. – Ouachita juniors Madi Vana and Isabella Savattere were selected to the All-Great American Conference First-Team to highlight nine all-conference selections at league awards banquet Thursday night.
Vana was named GAC Midfielder of the Year, a recognition that solidified a standout season defined by her relentless attack. The Celina, Texas native flourished down the home stretch, scoring three goals during the Tigers critical four-match unbeaten streak to secure a berth to the GAC tournament. Vana enters postseason play tied for the team lead with six goals, which is fourth-most in the GAC. Her four game-winners ranks second in the league.
Vana delivered in the clutch to spark the Tigers' postseason push as she preserved a draw on senior day. Trailing Southwestern Oklahoma State late, sophomore Sahara Adams sent a free kick into the box and Vana raced through traffic to score the equalizer with a sensational header in the 80th minute.
"Madi's drive and commitment really set her apart," Ouachita Head Coach Kevin Wright said. "She's a lead-by-example type of player, who has had a major impact within our program. Madi has scored some big goals, but all the work she does off the ball is irreplaceable."
Savattere provided balance along the back line and ignited the offensive attack with six assists, which ranks second in the GAC. The Rowlett, Texas native transitioned into a hybrid defensive role this season and wreaked havoc in the defensive third. Coach Wright acknowledged Savattere played a crucial role by embracing the challenge and gave the Tigers a different dynamic not only defending, but was a catalyst in creating scoring chances for her teammates.
Junior forward Reese Brown and sophomore goalkeeper Taylor Hapgood landed selections on the All-GAC Second Team. Brown tied Vana with a team-high 13 points this season, tied for fifth in the conference. Her five assists ranks third in the league. Hapgood secured four shutouts, which is tied for third in the GAC.
Five additional Tigers were listed on the All-GAC Honorable Mention, including Sahara Adams, Brookelyn Babb, Ava Dunagan, Olivia Erskine and McKenna Wright. Ouachita's decorated lineup reflects the excellence both on and off the pitch ass five Tigers were listed on the All-GAC Academic Honor Roll, including Babb, Dunagan, Erskine, Karlie Kizer, and Allison Reece.
Ouachita prepares to defend its back-to-back GAC titles in Searcy, starting with a semifinal match against SWOSU on Friday at 2 p.m.
