Lakers garner 7 OUA soccer awards

The Ontario University Athletics (OUA) handed out its annual soccer hardware and the Nipissing University Lakers soccer teams garnered 7 awards.

Lakers bench boss Peter Bitonti became the first soccer coach in Nipissing’s history to be named OUA East division coach of the year. Bitonti lead the Lakers to their best season in the OUA finishing with a 5-6-3 regular season record placing 4th in the tough OUA East division. The Lakers earned a home playoff game for the first time in which they defeated their Northern rivals the Laurentian Voyageurs 4-2 to advance to the quarter-finals against the number one-ranked Carleton Ravens. A game in which the Lakers were defeated
4-1.

“It is truly an honor to receive this award,” said head coach Peter Bitonti. “I would to thank the players and Tony (D’Agostino, assistant coach) for their hard work and dedication throughout the season.”

Rookie goal keeper Matt Likuski also reached a Lakers milestone by being the first Nipissing athlete to be named the OUA East division rookie of the year. Likuski recorded four shut-outs in his four victories while adding three draws along the way. Likuski was the difference maker in several games as he shut down the opposing strikers with some acrobatic saves. “Matt stepped into a very difficult position and played some unbelievable soccer for us as a rookie.” said Bitonti.

Lakers third year midfielder Mustafa Zafarzadeh was named an OUA East division 1st team all-star to adding to his 2nd all-star team nomination in 2006. “Mustafa is a little guy that plays a big game. He a captain that led’s by example. We look forward to even bigger things in the coming years.” said Bitonti.

Derek Chamberlain, Alagie Gaye and Matt Likuski were named OUA East division 2nd team all-stars. “I think Derek is one of the best players to ever wear a Lakers uniform. In my opinion he should be a first team all-star and he knows that,” added Bitonti. “Alagie was with us for four years and always worked extremely hard. He always had the knack of scoring that big goal when we needed it.”

Muldoon named to second team

On the women’s side Lakers fourth-year midfielder Stephanie Muldoon was named to the second team all-star for the third consecutive year. “Stephanie Muldoon is a very hard working soccer player,” said head coach Vito Castiglione. “I have had the pleasure of coaching her for four years and her style of play has not changed since day one. She always gives 100% on the field and it’s not a surprise to me that she was selected to the all-star team by the coaches in the East division. She is a great player and well deserving of this recognition.”

Submitted to BayToday.ca