DC Lady Jackets Soccer Places Four on All-HCAC Squad

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Defiance College women's soccer team finished the season with its best record since joining the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference and also its first winning season since 2004. Katie Heitkamp, Karly Smith, Bibiana Parra and Lindsay Bubnick were named to the All-HCAC team for their efforts in the extremely successful season.  [All-HCAC Teams]

Leading DC on the first-team all-conference list was senior back Katie Heitkamp. The Saint Marys, Ohio native was the heart and soul of the Defiance defensive effort over the entire season. Heitkamp not only started every game this season, she never left the field for one minute, as she racked up 1,825 minutes played. Her speed and defensive skills gave tremendous troubles to opposing teams which contributed to the Jackets finishing third in conference in goals allowed (7) and goals allowed average (.72). The senior also chipped in at the offensive end with two scores and an assist on the year.

Junior forward Karly Smith was next up on the All-HCAC First-Team. Being tied for the shortest girl on the team at five feet exactly didn't stop Smith from having a breakout junior campaign. The Parma, Ohio product led the Purple and Gold in goals scored (7) and was tied for first in assists (3), as she was the main offensive threat for the Jackets. The important thing about her goals however, was when she scored them. Four of Smith's goals on the season were game-winners, as she came through in the clutch multiple times for DC.

For the second-team, junior midfielder Bibiana Parra earned her first conference accolades with the selection. The Indianapolis, Ind. native started all 19 of Defiance's games and was big in the middle of the pitch. It may not have shown up in the stats, as Parra managed only one goal on the year, but the midfielder was critical for the Lady Jackets in more than just scores. Parra was a stalwart defender, as she did a great job of disrupting opponent's offensive sets and cutting off passing lanes.  For the DC attack, she contributed greatly with strong ball skills and passing in the midfield. The junior was also honored as the Yellow Jackets selection for the All-HCAC Sportsmanship Team.

Last up for the Yellow Jackets was sophomore midfielder Lindsay Bubnick who was also named Second-Team All-HCAC. The Vandalia, Ohio product finished second on the team with five goals and was tied for first with three assists. Bubnick was the deep threat for DC, as her strong left leg led to multiple scores from outside the box. The midfielder used great ball control to keep the offense moving and always put the team in striking position. Bubnick also was a perfect 19-for-19, as she started every game this season.