Nov. 6, 2009

HARTFORD, Conn.—For the first time in school history, four Pitt women’s soccer players earned All-Big East honors, the conference announced late Thursday evening. Three players—junior midfielder Liz Carroll, sophomore midfielder Katelyn Ruhe and junior defender Kat Weiler—earned All-Big East Third Team honors, while freshman forward Ashley Cuba was named to the All-Big East Rookie Team.

Since beginning Big East competition in 1997, the Pitt women’s soccer program has earned seven All-Big East or All-Rookie Team honors. Yesterday, the Panthers came away with four honors.

"I am extremely happy for and very proud of Liz, Katie, Kat and Ashley for being recognized by the Big East,” Pitt Head Coach Sue-Moy Chin said. “It is a testament to the hard work they have put forth in the offseason and throughout the year. Even though these are individual awards, I think all four would agree with me that it wouldn't be possible without the hard work and support of their teammates.

“This is another great moment for our program. To have their outstanding play recognized by the other coaches in the conference is a tremendous honor.”

Carroll, a junior from Alexandria, Va., finished second on the squad in points (six), tied for the team lead in assists (four) and added a goal from her midfield position. She was one of six Panthers to start all 18 games. A Big East Academic All-Star, Carroll has started 46 of her 56 games played, scored eight goals, accumulated six assists and 22 points in her career.

A sophomore midfielder from Frederick, Md., Ruhe started all 18 games, registered 33 shots and contributed three assists. As a Big East Academic All-Star, the quick and talented Ruhe has started all 38 games of her career, scored five goals, totaled five assists and 15 points. Last year, she ranked among team leaders in scoring (five goals) and points (12).

A junior defender from Fairfax Station, Va., Weiler played a key leadership role in Pitt’s backfield. Pitt allowed only 11 goals in 18 games and finished the year with a school record 10 shutouts. Weiler was the only player on the squad to play every minute of every game. Named to the Soccer America National Team of the Week and Big East Defender of the Week on Oct. 6, 2009, she was one of six players to start all 18 contests on the year. She has started all 56 games in her three-year career.

Cuba, a freshman from Youngstown, Ohio, became only the third player in school history to earn Big East All Rookie Team honors as Cande Ruiz (1998) and Kristin Gellatly (1999) both earned the honor in their respective seasons. Cuba led the Panthers in four statistical categories: goals (seven), game-winning goals (five), assists (four) and points (18). She also was awarded Big East Rookie of the Week honors on Sept. 22, 2009 after she scored a career-high two goals vs. St. Bonaventure.

All four honorees will return to next year’s team.

Pitt finished its 2009 season with an 8-5-5 overall and 3-3-5 Big East record. The campaign marked Pitt’s first winning season in 14 years of women’s soccer. Pitt’s eight wins tied a school record for wins in a season as the Panthers also won eight matches in both 1996 and 2006. Pitt allowed only 11 goals in its 18 matches on the year, a 0.57 goals against average.

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