ATLANTA- The Oglethorpe University men's soccer team capped off the regular season with an improved record from last year (7-6-4), and the Southern Athletic Association named Sebastian Lewis, Eli Beard, Rhys Pollard, Christian Watson and Ethan Martinez to the All-Conference team.
All-Conference Honors
Sebastian Lewis was a crucial piece to Stormy Petrel's success. In his sophomore season, Lewis tallied 65 saves and currently leads the SAA in saves. Lewis is also No. 2 in the SAA for saves per game with 4.64. He received two SAA athlete of the week honors, once as a defensive honor after recording 12 saves to shutout Montclair State, and the other as an offensive honor after delivering a late penalty kick goal to bring the Petrels to victory over Centre College. He holds the most saves recorded by an individual in a single season since 2009.
Eli Beard, a freshman center back, made a strong defensive impact for the Petrels. His strength and size held off dynamic offenses and helped Oglethorpe only allow 13 goals and post six shutouts. He also tallied 10 shots.
Rhys Pollard, a senior defender and captain, led the Petrels with intensity and dynamic passing. His three shots on goal and one assist paint a picture of his selfless play style as he helped the Petrels clinch a spot in the SAA tournament.
The Petrel's midfielder duo made of juniors Christian Watson and Ethan Martinez led the offensive effort for the Petrels. Watson started in 13 games and took nine shots. Martinez started in 11 games and recorded one goal, one assist and 13 shots for Oglethorpe.
These award winners and the rest of the Petrels will face No. 3-seeded Berry College at home on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 3 p.m. in the first round of the Southern Athletic Association tournament. If they advance, they will play No. 2-seeded Trinity University on Friday.
