FRISCO ? Sophomores Chelsea Zimmerman, Ezinne Okpo and Chea Pajak were named to the 2007 Southland Conference Preseason first team, which was the most players in the conference, while sophomore Veronica Najera collected second-team all-conference honors, the league office announced on Friday.
“It’s a great accomplishment for these four players to be recognized to the all-conference team,” head coach Steve Ballard said. “They know over the next three months, their work ethic and determination will influence our team and how well we will do this season.”
Zimmerman, who was named SLC Freshman of the Year last season, led UTSA in goals (9) and points (22). The first-team All-SLC pick also recorded four assists and netted a team-leading four game-winners goals last year.
Okpo, who was a second-team all-conference pick last year, helped UTSA’s defense post five shutouts. She also tallied one goal and a pair of assists.
Pajak collected her first all-conference honor. She started 16 of the team’s 19 matches last season and registered six shots.
Najera was tabbed with second-team honors. An All-SLC honorable mention selection a year ago, she led the team with 38 shots and ranked second with six goals.
UTSA begins the 2007 campaign with its first practice on Wednesday, Aug. 15, and opens its season on the road at SMU on Friday, Aug. 31.
