Albright College Athletics

ANNVILLE, Pa. - On Tuesday, the Commonwealth Conference released the 2009 Women’s Soccer All-Conference teams. Earning a spot on the second team for the Lions was freshman defender Kirstie Potteiger, and sophomore goalkeeper Olivia Giuliano.

These honors are the first for both players in the very young careers. Giuliano who was named the conference’s goalkeeper of the week on two separate occasions had a standout sophomore season with the Lady Lions. Going into the semi-final game against Messiah, Giuliano held the school record for goal against average in a season.

Following that match her goal against average of 1.19 still ranks her in the top-5 in the Commonwealth Conference. Giuliano’s save percentage of 83.5% is currently ranked second in the conference standings. On the year Giuliano recorded over 1,160 minutes of playing time, totaled six shutouts, and closed out the year with a 5-6-2 record.

For Potteiger her all-conference honor comes following a stellar freshman campaign in Reading. As one of only two newcomers to start all 20 matches for the red and white this season, Potteiger totaled one assist in the season opener at Keystone College.

However it was her physical play in the backfield and in the middle third of the field that truly made her standout all season long. Her ability to distribute the ball to either side of the field also made her a key factor in the Lions success this season.

Giuliano’s and Potteiger’s all-conference selections is the first for the Women’s Soccer program since 2006, when they earned a program best three all-conference selections.

The program will graduate five seniors this year, but should return a solid core of young players in 2010.