Lake Forest College Sports Information
November 6, 2003
Contact: Mike Wajerski , SID

Melissa Stevenson Named Forester Athlete of the Week
Sophomore leads team to first-ever NCAA Tournament
  

Melissa Stevenson had a hand in all three Forester goals at the MWC Tournament.
LAKE FOREST, IL - Sophomore Melissa Stevenson (Littleton, CO/Dakota Ridge) was named Forester Athlete of the Week for the week Thursday (November 6) after helping the Lake Forest College women's soccer team win the Midwest Conference Tournament to earn the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament berth.

In the semifinal match versus St. Norbert College, Stevenson continued to do what she does best by creating both of the Foresters' offensive opportunities in their 2-0 victory. Her two assists, on goals by senior forward Aviva Landin (Evanston, IL/Evanston Township) and freshman Allie Kabat (Hinsdale, IL/Hinsdale Township), coupled with freshman goalkeeper Kristyne Operzedek's (Deerfield, IL/Deerfield) seventh shutout of the year was all the team needed to advance to the finals.

On Sunday, Stevenson scored the only goal of the match off a pass from junior Carinn Rasak (Santa Fe, NM/Santa Fe Preparatory) to clinch the tournament championship and secure Lake Forest College's first trip to the NCAA Tournament.

Stevenson leads the team with a school record 51 points. Her 17 assists also are a school record while her 17 goals are just two off the top mark. 

Members of the Athletic Department select a Forester Athlete of the Week every Thursday.