EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Senior Taylor Brand (Defensive Player of the Year) and junior Simone Busby (Goalkeeper of the Year) received two of the top honors at the 2014 Missouri Valley Conference Awards Reception on Thursday night.

MVC Release
 
The University of Evansville women's soccer team (10-5-3, 3-2-1) had a total of seven players receive postseason honors, which was very meaningful for head coach Krista McKendree and the Aces.
 
"As great as I think both Simone and Taylor are, they would not have received those awards without the performances of their teammates," McKendree said. "It is great to have that many players honored because it means we have had a season worth honoring."
 
Evansville had three players named First Team All-Conference including Brand, Busby and sophomore midfielder Bronwyn Boswell. Senior defender Tatiana Pagan was selected to the All-Conference Second Team.  Additionally, Evansville forward Nicki Baham, forward Montana Portenier, and defender Olivia Shafer were each honored on the All-Freshman Team.
 
"I'm happy that seven of our players were recognized for their performance this season," said McKendree. "It is a testament not only to their ability but also the hard work, ability and execution from the whole team. I think that is one of the best thing about team sports; it truly does take the whole team performing as one unit for individuals to be recognized."
 
Brand, Pagan and Shafer piloted Evansville's defense to a program-record tying 12 shutouts this season, yielding just 10 total goals the entire season.
 
Busby guided the Aces to a program-best six consecutive shutouts and a streak of over 631 minutes without allowing a goal. Her 0.58 goals against average is 18^th best in the nation.
 
Boswell has a team-high eight goals this season including six game-winners, 7^th most in the country. Baham recorded four goals, second most of any Ace this year. Portenier also netted two goals and contributed two assists for UE this year.
 
Despite all the honors, McKendree is trying to keep the Aces focused on a bigger task.
 
"It is important to keep things in perspective," added McKendree. "Our goal is to play for a championship and that starts on Friday."
 
UE plays 3^rd seeded Drake on Friday in Normal, Illinois in the MVC semifinals. The match will be held at Adelaide Street Field and begin at 3:36 p.m.