TOLEDO, OH - The Toledo soccer team recently put the wraps on its 2012 campaign with its annual banquet at the Grand Plaza downtown on Saturday, Jan. 26. The postseason reception was an opportunity to recognize the efforts of the program while also honoring its six graduating seniors - Megan Blake, Natalia Gaitàn, Rachael Kravitz, Kristen Mattei, Jaimie Morsillo and Blair Sorg - for their commitment to the program. All award winners were based off voting by the players and coaches.
Junior Rachel MacLeod was named Offensive MVP for a second-consecutive year, tallying a team-high 13 points (five goals, three assists). The 2011 Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year registered points in seven matches this past fall and also finished tops on the squad in match-winning scores (2) and shots (42).
Gaitàn was selected the Defensive MVP for a second time in the last three seasons. The Bogata, Colombia native spearheaded a Toledo defense that posted five shutouts and gave up one goal or less on 15 occasions in 2012, en route to earning second-team All-MAC accolades. A dangerous player in the attack as well, Gaitàn was second on the team in goals (4) and total points (8). An excellent student in the classroom, Gaitàn earned a spot on the 2012 Capital One Academic All-America® Third Team, becoming the first member of the program to earn Academic All-America accolades.
Blake received the Rocket Award which is given to the student-athlete demonstrating the values of the program - academic committment, athletic excellence and social responsibility. An exercise science major with a 3.95 GPA, the Westlake, OH native was one of six Rockets to start all 21 matches this past fall. She finished third on the team with five points (two goals, one assist). In the classroom, she has been a member of UT's Dean's List the last seven semesters, including a perfect 4.0 GPA on five occasions (Fall 2009, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012). Blake is also the younger sister of 2010 Rocket Award recipient Sarah Blake (2007-10).
Toledo wrapped up the 2012 season with a 7-12-2 overall record, 5-5-1 in the conference. UT finished fourth in the MAC West Division and made its eighth-consecutive postseason appearance under head coach Brad Evans. The No. 6 seed Rockets also advanced to the MAC Tournament Semifinals for an unprecented seventh-consecutive season after outlasting No. 3 seed Eastern Michigan, 2-1, on penalty kicks. In the 'Final Four', Toledo came up a little short against No. 2 seed and eventual NCAA Championship participant Central Michigan, 1-0.
Most Valuable Offensive Award: Rachel MacLeod
Most Valuable Defensive Award: Natalia Gaitàn
Rocket Award (Athletic Excellence, Academic Commitment, Social Responsibility): Megan Blake
