MONTGOMERY, Ala – The Southern States Athletic Conference announced this year's postseason awards on Tuesday night. Multiple Night Hawks earned second team all-conference honors, while three were named to the SSAC All-Freshman team. 

The Green and White had a very successful year that shocked many around the conference and nationwide. Thomas entered their 2023 slate ranked to finish sixth in the conference but proved to be a force to reckon with after concluding their season as first year members in the Semifinal round of the SSAC conference tournament against #1 William Carey University.

Thomas started off the year with a hot start with a four game winning streak and a total of seven shutout games on the year. Additionally, two of those were from NCAA opponents that concluded as shutout games as well. 

Several members of the Night Hawks squad were ranked nationally, as freshman Kaitlyn Herb ranked 6th in the Nation and #2 in the conference for scoring (19 GS). Sasha Manders ranked 12th in the nation and 10th in the conference for scoring (14 GS).

Head Coach Julie Orlowksi acknowledges that individual awards are a reflection of hard work by the team overall. "Individual honors come as the result of hard work by the team." Orlowksi said. "Herbie is a weapon in the final third." "When you combine her talents with Sasha Manders, Pearl Mortimer and Madelyn Musgrove they create a very potent attack this season making it hard for defenses to focus on just one."

The team finished the regular season ranked #4 in the country and #3rd in the conference in offense with (71) goals scored. The SSAC took notice of the success the Green and White brought as new members, with several Night Hawks picking up postseason accomplishments. 

SECOND TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE: 

Kaitlyn Herb 

Ali Baca

Jade Slaybaugh

Orlowski reflected on how each member from the Green and White made a key impact in the success of Thomas' season this year, which resulted in postseason accolades. 

" Having a player from each line make 2nd team is a tribute to the quality we put on the field this year." "Obviously, Herbie is a force in the attack. Ali did a lot of the work in Midfield to create opportunities and basically run the show offensively." "Jade has been the heart and soul of this team for a while now." "Even though her season ended early due to injury, other coaches recognized the quality she brings to the field and our team." 

SSAC ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM

Kaitlyn Herb

Pearl Mortimer

Alicia Macleod

Ruby Melis

Julie Orlowksi expressed how proud she is of each freshman who stepped up when the team needed them the most. "Heading into the season, we weren't expecting four freshmen starters. Injuries to key players created opportunities and these four took full advantage." 

For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by play, and feature stories of your TU Women's soccer team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksWSocc.