Rustlers Soccer among ACAC award winners

Pluhator and Hockley Selected for ACAC Women's Soccer Awards

Women's soccer improved their record from last year, along with their total of all-star selections.

Darian Pluhator was named ACAC Women's Soccer North Division Rookie of the Year and joined teammate Megan Hockley on the North Division All Conference squad. The Saskatoon native tied for the team lead in goals with 4, adding 2 assists, while Hockley was third in the league in assists with 7, helping their team to a 5-5-2 record.

Head Coach Doyle Church was quick to thank those who came before him on the growth of the program this year.

"As a program some of the credit must go to previous coach Wendy Wagner for the work she did last year with the team as well as the recruiting," he said. "We found a way of playing to put everyone's strengths on display and to complement each other. Three years in a row now we have had all-conference players, and we are certainly heading in the right direction. 

Hockley is receiving her second All Conference selection, after making it in 2021-2022. Rustler alumni Kyla Franks was named to the North Division team last year.

Having already coached with the Rustlers as an assistant last year, Church noted marked improvement in Hockley's game.

"I think we've found a role she enjoys and has the attacking freedom that suits her strengths on the ball," he said. "The work she put in defensively made it easier for the players around her and allowed us to win the ball back in great areas."

"It's her second all conference in three years, she has been a consistent and reliable performer for us this year."

Pluhator made an impression early in the year, becoming a more and more important part of the team's offence. Church said he wasn't surprised to see her involved with the team's increase in goal production.

"With 4 goals and two assists in 12 games, she's come up with the right movement and runs at the right time for us," Church said. "She has showed maturity and a good work ethic, I fully expect her to build upon this season heading into Futsal."

The Rustlers women's team is already heading into Futsal training, with competition coming in January.

Trio of Rustler Men's Soccer Players  Selected as All Conference Award Winners

Men's soccer came up just short in a tough ACAC North this fall, but several players efforts were recognized by the ACAC.

Third year forward Nathan Tran, fourth year midfield Hani Tekheste and second year goalkeeper Nic Filipovic were all named to the ACAC North Division All Conference team.

Tran had a breakout 2023, as he  was among the league leaders in points throughout the season, finishing with 8 goals and 17 points. He did this while missing games midseason.

"Nathan has shown maturity and confidence in his attacking position on the team," Head Coach Kevin Wagner said. "If not for a knee injury he would have likely added to his points."

Tekheste had a much improved season from last year, anchoring the team's midfield and leading the league in assists with 6. He also finished second in the league in total shots. Wagner complimented Tekheste for taking on more responsibility this season.

"Hani arrived fit at training camp, showed confidence, maturity and was willing to do whatever it took to help his team," he said. "Well deserved."

In goal, Filipovic continued to show progress from when he first came to Lakeland. He was in net for all seven Lakeland victories, earning multiple shutouts and finishing fifth in both saves and goals-against-average.

"Nics award really shows what growth he's had since last year as a rookie and work that he and his GK Coaches have put into the position," Wagner said.

The three will participate now in the upcoming futsal season, with training  starting  in the next couple of weeks.