Buzzards Bay, MA --- Highlighted by first-team selections Alex Wolfel (Unionville, CT) and Kerlenz Benjamin (Cambridge, MA), Worcester State had five honorees on this years All-MASCAC men's soccer team as announced by league publicist Jim Seavey in a vote by the leagues eight head coaches last week.
Other second-team nods included senior Evan Wilga (Dudley, MA), sophomore Chris Sanborn (Holden, MA) and freshman Michael Jordan (Ludlow, MA). Head coach Jason Willis was also named the Turfer MASCAC Coach of the Year.
Wolfel, who starts at center forward, had an outstanding year for Worcester State as he led the team in goals (9) and points (21). As of this past week, Wolfel's points are tied for second in the MASCAC while his goals were third overall.
The sophomore put himself on the all-time scoring list as he has two-year totals of 12 goals and four assists for 28 points. Wolfel posted his number this year coming off of a leg injury that he sustained three-quarters though the 2010 season.
Benjamin, a senior center-midfielder, helped anchor the team on both sides of the ball. Benjamin aided the Lancers in picking up the pace offensively as they totaled just 10 goals and 11 assists a year ago. This year WSU has boosted 26 goals and 17 assists for 71 points, a tally that is third in the conference team standings. Benjamin was a second-team All-MASCAC honoree last season.
Jordan had a solid freshman campaign playing primarily on the left and right wing at forward. In 15 games, Jordan ended the year third on the team in points with three goals and two helpers. He was one of three first-year players on the All-MASCAC team.
Sanborn, a center back, propelled the Lancers defensive effort as they ended the year with just 26 goals allowed – which is fourth in the final MASCAC standings. Both of Sanborn's goals this season came in conference play as he had markers in a 2-1 triumph over Bridgewater State and in a 5-1 victory over Mass Maritime.
Wilga, the squads starting net-minder, had his best season in a Lancer uniform. Wilga finished the year second in the MASCAC in save percentage (.828), third in both goals against average (1.19) and saves (111) while his five shutouts were tied for fourth.
Wilga set the record for career stops as he edged Tony Foutzits (1980-83) by one for the all-time mark while his GAA is the seventh-best total for a single-season. His 1.68 career GAA is fourth among keepers with at least 44 games played as he is also fourth on the all-time list in shutouts (14) and career wins (17).
Willis helped the squad reach their first MASCAC Tournament and ECAC Division III New England Tournament since 2007. With an 8-9-2 record this season, he helped turnaround a team that went 2-13-2 in 2009 in just his second year as head coach.
WSU lost to Salem State, 1-0, in the MASCAC semifinals and as the sixth-seed in the ECAC Quarterfinals, Worcester State was handed a 2-1 double overtime setback to #3 Castleton.