Ash was named Division III Ohio Player of the Year for the second consecutive season

For the second consecutive season, forward Sarah Ash (Cincinnati, Ohio/Sycamore) has been named Division III Ohio Player of the Year. Joining Ash on the first team is senior defender Molly Ruano (South Euclid, Ohio/Brush) and sophomore forward Kim Oshita (Cincinnati, Ohio/Sycamore).

Ash, who was named first team NSCAA All-American in 2007 and 2008, logged seven goals and eight assists in helping lead the Big Red to the second round of the NCAA National Tournament. Also an ESPN the Magazine Second Team Academic All-American selection in 2008, the Player of the Year honor caps off a highly-decorated four-year career in Granville.

Ruano, a captain of the 2008 squad, helped lead a defense that allowed just 18 goals in 21 matches, including nine shutouts. A first team all-conference selection in 2008, Ruano was also named to the NSCAA Great Lakes all-region squad.

Oshita receives the nod on the first team list after leading the Big Red in scoring at 13 goals on the year. Also selected first team NSCAA Great Lakes all-region and all-NCAC, the Cincinnati native ranked third in the conference in goals, points (27) and game-winning goals on the season.

The Denison women's soccer program has advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament in each of the last four seasons and has achieved 12 NCAA postseason berths, overall.  In 2005 the Big Red advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals (round of 8) and came back strong in 2006 with a trip to the round of 16.  They have notched nine NCAA postseason victories in program history and boast a .759 winning percentage under Murphy.