The Valparaiso women’s soccer program had five players honored as the Horizon League announced its postseason awards on Monday afternoon, highlighted by the selection of seniors Luisa Desario (Bartlett, Ill./Bartlett) and Rachel Hoaglin (Lakeville, Minn./Academy of Holy Angels) to the All-League First Team.

It marked the first time since joining the Horizon League that the Crusaders have had multiple players selected to the first team, a feat last accomplished in 2006 when Valpo placed three players on the Mid-Continent Conference First Team.  Also honored Monday were freshmen Rita Craven (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way North), Jenny Fassbinder (Hudson, Wis./Hudson) and Sarrah Ludwig (Downers Grove, Ill./South), who all earned spots on the league’s All-Newcomer  Team.

Desario earned the third All-League accolade of her career, following up on her First Team selection as a freshman and Second Team honor as a junior.  Desario tallied four goals this season, including a match-winner against IUPUI and a score in league play against Cleveland State, and also picked up a pair of assists, including a helper on the game-winning goal at Detroit.

Hoaglin received the First Team All-League honor after twice previously being named to the All-League Second Team (2009, 2011).  The midfielder scored the game-winning goal for the Crusaders at Cleveland State and also picked up an assist at IPFW.  Hoaglin also played every minute of all seven Horizon League fixtures for the Crusaders.

The trio of Crusader rookies proved key in helping Valpo finish third in Horizon League play in 2012.  Playing in the midfield, Craven scored a goal at IPFW and picked up an assist at Cleveland State.  Fassbinder has played every minute of each of the last 12 games at left back for Valpo, part of a defense which surrendered just three goals in league play and nine goals overall this season.  Ludwig has been a presence in the air for Valpo in the midfield and scored three goals, including match-winners against Bowling Green and Saint Joseph’s (Ind.).