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By Mike Anderson, NKU Sports Information HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Northern Kentucky University‚s Steven Beattie was named the 2008 Daktronics Division II Men's Soccer Midwest Region Player of the Year and was one of four NKU players named to the Daktronics All-Midwest Region team. Beattie, a sophomore striker from Skerries, Ireland, currently holds a school record with 20 goals on the season, besting Todd Gruenwald‚s 19 goals in 1992. Beattie remains among the top 10 players in all of Division II in points per game (2.39) and goals per game (1.11). Beattie was also named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-GLVC. Joining Beattie on the All-Midwest Region first team is defender Eric Ashworth, who not only stymied opposing attacks as a central defender, but gave the Norse an imposing presence on corner kicks and set pieces, scoring three goals on the season. Defender Tony Ray and goalkeeper Michael Lavric were named to the All-Region second team. Ray, a senior from Louisville, Ky., has been an effective part of NKU‚s transition game, turning defensive stops into offensive opportunities throughout the season. Combined with his powerful and accurate throw-ins, Ray has amassed six assists on the season. Ray also earned first-team All-GLVC honors. Lavric, a sophomore from Gahanna, Ohio, has followed up his strong freshman campaign with another great season. Finishing as a third-team All-GLVC honoree, Lavric continued his tradition of strong goalkeeping, standing 12th in the nation in goals against average (0.71) and 11th in save percentage (.835). Northern Kentucky (15-2-2) moves on to the NCAA Tournament, where the Norse will take on Ashland in the Midwest Regional in Kansas City, Mo. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. |
