5 Bison Soccer Players Earn Summit League Honors

Five members of the NDSU women’s soccer team that made it to the Summit League semifinals have picked up conference recognition.

Sophomore forward Anisha Kinnarath headlined the Bison honors with a first-team All-Summit League selection. Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Sierra Bonham, senior defender Holly Christian and senior midfielder Jordyn Wallenborn were named on the second-team. Bonham and defender Meghan Johnston were named on the league’s All-Freshman team.

Kinnarath, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, scored five goals and tallied seven assists on the season, making her the only Summit League player with at least five in each category. She led the league with five assists, 18 shots on goal and 34 total shots in conference matches. Kinnarath was placed on the Summit League All-Freshman team in 2011.

Bonham, from Red Deer, Alberta, ranked third in the league with an .842 save percentage in conference matches while recording two shutouts against conference opponents. Bonham finished the year with 107 total saves to rank number two on the all-time single-season list at NDSU. She set the NDSU single-season record by averaging 6.29 saves per game.

Christian, from Apple Valley, Minn., netted two goals on the season and anchored the Bison defense that helped NDSU win four of its last five games. She has started every game for the Bison in the last two seasons. Christian was selected to the second team last year also.

Wallenborn, from Camas, Wash., scored four goals this season, including three in conference play and a huge two-goal game against SDSU. She ranks second on the team in shots and shots on goal.

Johnston, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, started 15-of-17 games for the Bison on the back line as a true freshman. She nailed the game-winner for a 2-1 over Kansas City in a crucial league match on Oct. 21.

The Bison finished with an overall record of 8-10 and a Summit League record of 5-3.