Barker and Stiles Named All-Big Ten
11/5/2014 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
East Lansing, Mich. - Michigan State senior field hockey players Abby Barker and Becky Stiles were named to the All-Big Ten teams, as announced by the Conference office on Wednesday. Barker was a First Team selection for the third year in a row, while Stiles was a Second Team selection for the second consecutive year. Stiles was also recognized as MSU's Sportsmanship Award Honoree.
"Seeing Abby and Becky selected as multi-year All-Big Ten recipients shows how consistent and dominant they have been for the Spartans during their career," said head coach Helen Knull. "I am excited to kick off post season play with these two wearing the Green and White."
Barker was selected to the First Team for the third consecutive season and was a Second Team pick her freshman year. Barker leads the team in points (40), goals (14), and assists (12). She was the only player in the Big Ten to finish the regular season ranked in the top five of all three categories.
"Over her career, Abby has been a leader in the Big Ten and for MSU when you look at goals and points," said Knull. "I am proud of what she has accomplished during her four years and it has been an honor to coach her. She will be leaving MSU with a significant mark on the record books, and I am glad the conference has recognized her for the fourth consecutive season."
Stiles was a Second Team selection for the second straight season. She started in all 18 games this season and was an integral part of both the offense and defense for the Spartans. Stiles is fourth on the team in both goals (4) and points (11), while adding three assists. She has started in all 76 games that she has played in for the Green and White.
"Becky has been the heart of the Spartan team and has been our consistent leader from the center position," said Knull. "It has been awesome watching her step her game up for her senior season."
Michigan State kicks off play in the Big Ten Tournament at 12:30 on Thursday in Ann Arbor, taking on fourth-seeded Penn State.
