LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The IUP women's soccer team is set to play in the first round of the PSAC tournament at Kutztown later this evening, but the conference got an early start to the day by releasing its All-Conference selections Tuesday.

The Crimson Hawks had five players recognized, including two who earned major awards. Junior forward Elle Smith was named the Western Division Athlete of the Year after leading the nation with 20 goals and seven assists for 47 points. Seven of Smith's 20 goals were game-winners.

IUP also claimed the Western Division Defensive Player of the Year honor with junior midfielder Emma Hays. Hays anchored a back line that allowed just six goals this season, the fewest in the PSAC. The team's 0.33 goals-against average and 72.2 percent shutout rate both rank in the top 10 nationally.

Joining Smith and Hays on the first team was junior midfielder Paige Fausey, who started all 18 matches and contributed to IUP's standout defense.

On the second team were sophomore defender Sydney Leach and junior forward Emily Lattea, the other half of the Crimson Hawks' prolific scoring duo. Leach was a key part of the dominant defensive unit, while Lattea scored 13 goals, ranking among the top 10 in Division II.

PSAC Women's Soccer Western Division Major Awards

• Athlete of the Year: Elle Smith, IUP

• Defensive Player of the Year: Emma Hays, IUP

• Freshman of the Year: Jada Cole, Edinboro

• Coach of the Year: Noreen Herlihy, Slippery Rock

PSAC Women's Soccer Western Division First Team

• Defense: Emma Hays*, IUP; Destinee Robertson*, Gannon; Hannah Shepard**, Gannon; Sydney Smith, Slippery Rock

• Forward: Jada Cole, Edinboro; Ciara DiMauro, Clarion; Brooklyn Respecki**, Gannon; Elle Smith, IUP

• Midfield: Grace Emanuel**, Gannon; Ella Fadale**, Gannon; Paige Fausey, IUP; Libby Zacharyasz*, Slippery Rock

• Goalkeeper: Morgan Sinan*^, Gannon

PSAC Women's Soccer Western Division Second Team

• Defense: Reese Aquilio, Clarion; Madison Felton^, Edinboro; Sydney Leach, IUP; Kailyn Schulte, Slippery Rock

• Forward: Emily Lattea, IUP; Marissa Salisbury, Slippery Rock; Emily Vogel, Edinboro; Jessie Watkins*, Gannon

• Midfield: Marisa Colondrillo, Clarion; Sophia Palermo, Slippery Rock; Sonoka Shiokawa, Edinboro; Christyana Sims, California (Pa.)

• Goalkeeper: Leah Allman, Slippery Rock

* Previous All-PSAC First Team selection
^ Previous All-PSAC Second Team selection