Three student-athletes from the Kent State women's soccer program have been recognized by the Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association as the organization announced its yearly awards.
Redshirt senior Tianna Harris was tabbed as a Second Team All-Ohio nominee, while junior Dalaney Ranallo and senior Sarah Melén earned First and Second Team Academic All-Ohio honors, respectively.
Harris has been recognized by the OSCA for two consecutive seasons, earning a First Team All-Ohio nod following the 2021 campaign. This year, she anchored the Flashes' back line and helped the defense earn five shutouts, four in conference play, and limited MAC opponents to just 46 shots on goal - the lowest mark in the conference. Harris also tallied seven points on the year, scoring three goals, which tied for the team lead, and added one assist. The Whitby, Ontario native scored the game-winner at home against Bowling Green, then recorded the first brace of her illustrious career to lead a second-half comeback in the season's penultimate game against Central Michigan.
Ranallo also played a crucial role on the Flashes' back line, but also made a major impact on the offensive side of the field. The junior played and started all 18 games, tallying two goals, including a clutch header in the 90th minute to tie the game against Toledo, and two assists. She was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Week after the opening weekend of conference play, where she tallied a pair of assists and helped the defense post two shutout wins.
Melén was the last line of defense for the Flashes all season, starting all 18 games. The senior recorded 57 saves and a 1.35 goals against average in her senior season. Against Dayton, Melén recorded a season-high 13 saves, just one short of her career-high mark she set a season ago. Melén's 13 career shutouts are the fifth-most in program history.
The OCSA is one of the oldest state Collegiate Coaching Associations in the US. The association was formed in 1953 and was significantly responsible for the growth, development and organization of collegiate soccer in Ohio. In the early days the OCSA was the responsible for coaching education, referee development and training and a very effective network for coaches to arrange games and refereeing assignments. Another major activity of the association was the development of an awards program for players and coaches. The OCSA has annually recognized over 300 student athletes and coaches.
For more information on the Kent State soccer team, follow Kent State Soccer on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and visit kentstatesports.com for additional information.
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