Colorado University Athletics
MUNNELLY'S NAMED ALL-REGION
January 06, 2005 | Soccer
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BOULDER - University of Colorado junior midfielder Fran Munnelly and sophomore defender Laura Munnelly of Arvada, Colo., have been named to the 2004 Soccer Buzz Division I All-Central Region First Team the on-line magazine announced Thursday. It is the second first-team list that the siblings have been named to, first since earning First-Team All-Big 12 recognition in November.
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             Representing both sides of the ball, the Munnelly's were integral in the team's second straight run to the NCAA Tournament where the Buffs won their first-ever match, 3-0 over Utah in the opening round before falling to then-No. 5 Portland 3-0 in the second. The two have started 41 matches together, second only to High Point's junior twin sisters Anni and Lena Svensson, which have been on the pitch together for 58 starts.
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             With 9 goals, 5 assists and 23 points, Fran Munnelly, and classmate Ashlie Mihalcin, were the team's leading scorers. Munnelly had a team-leading 59 shots on the season, 33 on goal, and converted all three penalty kicks, a pair in the Big 12 Tournament including the gamewinner in overtime against Missouri in the tournament's opening round. On the pitch for all but 128 minutes of the season, she continues to re-write the Colorado record books. CU's first All-American in the sport is also the Buffs' first, three-time First-Team All-Big 12 player. During the season she became the Buffs' all-time career points (62) and assists (18) leader, second in shots (196) as well the junior class all-time leader in shots (59).
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             A preseason All-Big 12, Wake Forest Classic All-Tournament and postseason First-Team All-Big 12 selection, Laura Munnelly was one of 17 players nationally who, entering the Oklahoma State game, hadn't been substituted for in 2004, and her 1,658 minutes when she came off the field in that match after getting tackled from behind was fifth among those players. Her 2,121 minutes this season led all Big 12 field players. She has started, and played all but seven minutes, of 41 career matches. Her presence on defense is unmatched by any other player in that position in Bill Hempen era  CU.
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             The Colorado soccer team opens the 2005 campaign against perennial national powerhouse North Carolina on Aug. 26 in Topeka, Kan. The home opener is two days later, Sunday, Aug. 28 against Vanderbilt.
