CLINTON, Iowa - It was a time to celebrate a monumental year for the Ashford University women's soccer team when it held its annual team awards banquet in recent memory at Rastrelli's Italian Restaurant.

The Saints put together a 12-6-1 season, giving Head Coach Mick Regan the most wins yet in his sixth year at the helm. But next year, Regan has his sights on turning the corner with dreams of a Midwest Collegiate Conference title and a bid to the NAIA National Tournament in mind.

"We really had a great season with those 12 wins and you can see it in our players' eyes that they will be hungry for more next fall," Regan said. "With a host of returners and several impact newcomers on the way, a special year could be in order."

Junior All-American goalkeeper Kylie Willet was named the team's Player of the Year. Willet had a breakthrough season that included NAIA National Player of the Week recognition, First-Team All-MCC honors and Honorable Mention NAIA All-American accolades, while being named MCC Defensive Player of the Week on three occasions.

Freshman Amanda Campos of Sao Paulo, Brazil, blitzed the opposition for a team-high 10 goals, making her the recipient of the coveted Golden Boot Award. She found the net twice in games against Cardinal Stritch University, Calumet College of St. Joseph and Knox College.

Another promising rookie forward, Paige Lamb of Spring Lake, N.C., was voted among her peers as the team's Most Improved Player. Lamb appeared in 15 games as a freshman and recorded her first career goal against Mount Mary College.

Yet another first-year player, center midfielder Chelsea Fisher of Calgary, Alberta, made an undeniable impact with nine goals and seven assists to collect Newcomer of the Year. Fisher was

Versatile sophomore midfielder Mackenzie Mueller of Sycamore, Ill., earned the rights to hoist the Coaches Award, demonstrating outstanding leadership and actions on and off the field.

As created by the NAIA initiative and acting as the AU's representative in the conference, Elyce Bark of DeWitt, was the recipient of the Champions of Character Award, speaking volumes of her integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.

The Saints also bid an emotional farewell to seniors Samantha Green and Shannon Myers, both staples on the defensive and offensive ends of the field during their careers. They were presented with gift bags that included a framed action photo.

Regan then recognized his five All-MCC performers, Fisher, Green, Willet, junior forward Cassandra Broderick and sophomore forward Abbye Garcia, who received an Honorable Mention all-league nod.

The Saints will open the 2010 season in Cedar Falls against the University of Northern Iowa on Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. Ashford was scheduled to face the Div. I Panthers last season in an exhibition scrimmage, but the game was called due to inclement weather.