Five MWC Players Named to NSCAA West Region Teams

Jeni Viernes was to the named to the first team.
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Dec. 5, 2002

PROVO, Utah - The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) released today its selections for the 2002 NSCAA West Region Soccer Team. Named to this year's teams were five Mountain West Conference players, including three players from BYU and two from Utah.

BYU senior forward/midfielder Jeni Viernes and junior midfielder/defender Aleisha Cramer-Rose were both named to the first team while freshman Brooke Bowman grabbed third-team honors. Also named to the third team were Ute senior forward Shauna Gurr-Bingham and senior defender Maren Harper.

Viernes, a two-time MWC Player of the Week and MWC Player of the Year led BYU with 17 goals and five assists, good for 39 points. This is Viernes' second All-America honor. The lone senior on the Cougar squad, Viernes was a critical component in several key victories, including scoring both goals against then No. 2-ranked Portland and a four-goal outburst against SDSU in the MWC tournament final.

Cramer-Rose's unparalleled accuracy with the ball gave BYU a deadly weapon throughout the season as she picked up her third All-America honor. The All-MWC first team selection had 12 assists in 2002, placing her second in Cougars history for assists in a season behind Kim Lowe's 15. The Lakewood, Colo., native also added a scoring punch to BYU's lineup, as when her penalty kick found the back of the net to give the Cougars a 3-2 win over then No. 23 Notre Dame.

Bowman, the MWC Freshman of the Year, scored eight goals in her first season as a Cougar, second only to Viernes' 17. Bowman notched two game-winning goals on the year, including the game winner in BYU 3-2 win over New Mexico. A native of Plano, Texas, Bowman was also named to the All-MWC First Team, MWC Tournament team and earned MWC Player of the Week honors.

Gurr-Bingham led Utah with 21 points on eight goals and five assists. The All-MWC first team member was also named to the MWC All-Tournament team as she closed out her final season of play.

Harper was a key member of the Ute defense that recorded eight shutouts during the season and only allowed 11 goals. The Sacramento, Calif., native was also named to the All-MWC First Team and was honored as a Verizon Academic All-America first team selection.