MEN'S SOCCER:
Grand Canyon has been selected to capture the Pacific West Conference Men's Soccer Championship and Notre Dame de Namur sophomore forward Cristobal Montes (Fremont, CA/John F. Kennedy) has been picked to repeat as the conference Player of the Year as the PacWest revs up for its 2009 men's soccer campaign. The Antelopes finished first despite receiving less first-place votes than runner up Hawai'i Pacific. The Sea Warriors were given four first-place selections compared to three for Grand Canyon. NDNU, the reigning champion, was slated to finish third thanks to a pair of first-place nods.
Hawaii Hilo, Dixie State and BYU-Hawaii placed fourth through sixth, respectively, while Dominican (CA) and Academy of Art — the two newest programs in the PacWest — were picked to wind up seventh and eighth, respectively. Chaminade rounded out the order of finish.
Dixie State boasted three preseason all-conference picks — a forward, a middie and a defender. Sophomore forward Kevin Young (Kearns) saw action in 16 games, including 11 starts, totaling 10 points on four goals and two assists. He also recorded one game-winning goal.
Sophomore midfielder Zac Hales (Dixie) played in 17 games with 13 starts for Dixie State. He posted nine points on four goals and one assist while recording a pair of game-winners. Hales was selected All-PacWest Second Team in 2008.
Sophomore back Zhaque Budge (Bountiful) started 15 of the 17 games in which he played last season and is expected to lead a solid Dixie State defense this year.