The Blue Devils have been extremely successful as a team this season, winning the conference regular season title for only the second time in program history—but now the individual awards are also starting to roll in. Head coach Robbie Church was named ACC coach of the year, and sophomore Natasha Anasi named ACC defensive player of the year.
Church has led Duke to its best record in school history, standing at 17-2-1 and winning the ACC regular season with only one loss, due to a fluke goal against North Carolina. He will lead the Blue Devils out in the ACC tournament semifinals Friday against Wake Forest at 5.30 p.m..
The defense that has allowed only seven goals this season is anchored by Anasi, who has had a brilliant season. It is even more impressive to learn that Anasi started the season in midfield, and only dropped into defense after Ashley Rape tore her ACL. Since moving to the back, the Blue Devils have conceded a mere six goals, with 11 clean sheets in that span.
In addition, Duke had six All-ACC selections. Anasi and fellow sophomore Kaitlyn Kerr, who has had an impressive season with six goals and four assists, were named to the All-ACC first team. Mollie Pathman, Laura Weinberg, Kelly Cobb and goalkeeper Tara Campbell were selected to the second team.
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