June 24, 2009

The American University women's soccer team will have six student-athletes participating in the upcoming Region 1 Club Regional Championships from July 2-7 in Barboursville, W.Va. Each of the six AU student-athletes won State Cup titles with their club teams this summer, which advanced their squads to the Regional Championships.

AU goalkeeper Arianna Efstathiou and defender Jenna Stasiewicz will be representing the Albertson Fury (N.Y.) in the Under-19 Division. The pair of rising sophomores helped dominate Quickstrike FC in the New York state finals, 7-0, to advance to the Regional Championships. Additionally, rising sophomore midfielder Mikaila Weaver will be competing for Match Fit Chelsea (N.J.) in the U-19 Division after helping lead her team to the New Jersey state title.

Three incoming freshmen will also be competing in the Under-18 Division in West Virginia. Midfielder Kendra Jones and goalkeeper Klare Lazor will be representing the Kirkwood Blue Monkeys (Del.). Their squad defeated the Hockessin SC Havoc 4-0 in the Delaware state finals to advance. Midfielder Michelle Montillo will also be competing in the U-18 tournament as a member of the South Shore Select Juntos (Mass.). Her team topped the Stars of Massachusetts on penalty kicks in the state final match.

"We are extremely pleased with the progress and commitment that our student-athletes have shown this summer," commented AU Head Coach David Bucciero. "The success in these summer tournaments will only help our team improve as the season gets ready to start."