POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk State Soccer has completed its fourth consecutive winning season, and as a result, the program’s region has honored four players for their contributions.
Midfielders Melissa Del Valle and Aleyshka Orellano and defender Madison Caustic were each named to the All-Region 8 team. Dylan Fernandez, a freshman midfielder, was named an All-Region 8 honorable mention.
Del Valle led the team in total shots this season with 37, netting two goals and two assists. Her two goals came in the clutch as her first goal of the season tied the Oct. 14 match against Daytona State College in the 83rd minute. The sophomore from Nevada put home the winner in the 78th minute in a 1-0 victory over Pellissippi State College on Oct. 21.
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Orellano, a transfer from Florida Gulf Coast University, did just about everything in her lone season for Polk State. The sophomore finished the season with 10 points, tallying three goals and a team-high four assists. Del Valle and Orellano were tied for the team lead with 20 shots on goals.
A defender to begin the season, Caustic played multiple positions for Polk State as a freshman in 2023. A native of Lakeland, Caustic ranked second on the team with four goals and was tied for second with 10 total points for the Eagles. Caustic’s first two goals came in a win over Florida National University JV on Sept. 29.
Fernandez, a local product from Winter Haven, registered two goals and an assist in her first season with the program. Her final goal of the season put the Eagles ahead for good in the 39th minute of a 3-0 shutout over United International College (B) on Oct. 23.
As a team, Polk State finished 9-5-1 under first-year Head Coach Dee Shivraman. Seven of Polk State’s nine victories came by shutout. The Eagles finished 15th in the country, allowing just 0.86 goals per match.
“As a coach, it’s incredible to see your players recognized for their achievements on the field,” Shivraman said. “It’s been a tremendous honor to coach such a great group of student-athletes, who excel on the pitch, in the classroom, and in the community.”
All-Region 8 Selections
- Madison Caustic, D, freshman, Lakeland, Fla.
- Melissa Del Valle, F, sophomore, Reno, Nev.
- Aleyshka Orellano, M, sophomore, Orlando, Fla.
Honorable Mention
- Dylan Fernandez, M, freshman, Winter Haven, Fla.
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