Dec. 16, 2002

VILLANOVA, PA. - On Friday, Dec. 13, Villanova University sophomore defender Michelle Biehl (Southampton, Pa./ Archbishop Wood High School) was named a third team All-America performer by both the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and Soccer America.

Biehl's recent All-America accolades wound down what was a tremendous 2002 season for the Southampton, Pa., native. Earlier this month, she was named to the NSCAA All-Mid Atlantic Region first team after helping lead the Wildcats to a 14-3-5 final overall record and their second consecutive NCAA Tournament berth in 2002.

The Wildcat sophomore is one of the nation's as well as the Big East Conference's top all-around defenders. Biehl had Villanova ranked first in the league in goals against average (0.44), tied for first in goals allowed (9), and second in shutouts this season. She also helped the Wildcats on the offensive side where she dished out four assists. At the 2002 Big East Conference Award's Banquet held in November, Biehl was named to the All-Conference second team.

As a redshirt freshman one season earlier, Biehl was a Big East Conference All-Rookie Team performer. She was also named to the NSCAA All-Mid Atlantic Region third team. In addition, Biehl received a number of other post-season honors by Soccer Buzz including Freshman All-America second team, All-Mid Atlantic Region second team and Mid Atlantic Region All-Freshmen Team accolades.