Big Week for Women’s Soccer

Coming off its recent national championship runner-up finish in the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association (NJCAA) finals, the ECC women's soccer program signed its first recruit for next season as three members of the current squad received accolades from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

Newfane High School's Makena Carpenter inked her letter of intent to join the Kats for the 2017 season. The center back and defensive midfielder was a Second Team All-Western New York selection, as well as a First Team All-Niagara-Orleans League recipient in leading Newfane to a Section VI Class B championship before bowing in the state semifinals.

"I'm extremely happy to have a player like Makena coming in who has the ability to step in and fill some big shoes defensively. Her experience in big games is something that will translate well at this level, with our goal to win a national championship. Makena is an incredible athlete with great defensive ability. She balances physicality and toughness with her technical ability and awareness, and she's the first of what we hope to be our most talented recruiting class to date with her commitment," head coach Gary Boughton said.

Carpenter will be joining Abbey Lombard and Sam Carey next season. The latter pair, along with Lauren Lepovich were named to the NSCAA Junior College Woman's All-East Region team. While Lombard made the first team as a forward, Lepovich and Carey notched second team slots at defense and midfield, respectively.

In addition to the regional selection, Lombard also was named to the NSCAA All-American squad, and becomes the first Kat to be selected All-American by the NSCAA. For Lombard, it's her second national accolade after being named to the NJCAA All-American First Team, Nov. 28.