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BOSTON - On Sunday, Feb. 8, the Boston University women's soccer team held its annual year-end banquet at BU's Student Village. At the reception, head coach Nancy Feldman and her coaching staff handed out team honors, which included the program's Most Improved Player, Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Offensive Player.

Former assistant coach Jen Goff was the Terriers' honorary guest speaker at the event. Goff coached at BU from 2003-05 and was on staff when this year's group of seniors first came to BU as freshmen.

Earning this year's Most Valuable Offense Player honors was senior Marisha Schumacher-Hodge, who led the team in goals (5) and tied for the team lead in points (12). Schumacher-Hodge graduates from Boston University 11th all-time in scoring with 40 career points, and she put an exclamation point on a decorated career reclaiming her title as the America East Midfielder of the Year to go along with the inaugural Fan's Choice Player of the Year.

On the opposite end of the field, senior Liz Speck garnered the team's Most Valuable Defensive Player accolade, as she helped anchor one of the nation's stingiest defenses, which finished 15th in the country in goals-against average (0.62) and tied a program record for shutouts (12). Speck was also honored as the team's Most Improved Player.

Earning Rookie of the Year status was freshman Jessica Luscinski after making an immediate impact on the Terriers. She went on to earn America East All-Rookie team honors. Luscinski scored the game-winning goal at then-No. 19 UConn, and later on in the season was one of four Terriers to find the back of the net at Binghamton on national television.

Also receiving awards was junior Emily Pallotta and sophomore Kara Ruggiero, who were both given the Strength and Conditioning Award from strength and conditioning coach Vic Brown. The honor is given to those who show a dedication to off-field training.

Pallotta later returned to the podium to accept the Academic Achievement Award, presented by assistant director for student-athlete support services Logan Hamilton. Pallotta received the honor for having the highest grade point average, and proving she could adeptly balance as well as excel in schoolwork and athletics.

Junior Laura Schwartz earned this year's Terrier Award, given annually for sportsmanship, leadership and team play.