Temple University Athletics
Field Hockey's Gross and Mueller Named to All-BIG EAST Second Team
11.3.16 | Field Hockey
NEW YORK - Temple field hockey's Paige Gross and Rachael Mueller have both been named to the 2016 All-BIG EAST Second Team, announced the league office on Thursday. The honors come as the Owls head into their 14th straight appearance in a conference tournament, and fourth-seeded Temple will face top-seeded UConn at home on Friday, Nov. 4 in the BIG EAST Semifinals.
"On behalf of all the staff, we're incredibly proud of Paige and Rachael's performances this season," said Temple head coach Marybeth Freeman. "They have both been vital to the success of our team in 2016."Â
While Gross's role on the team is not one where she collects numbers on the stat sheet, she is recognized for her smart play on the field and leadership abilities. Gross has been utilized this season in both the defensive center midfield position as well as in the backfield, and has been key in making open field tackles against some of the top teams in the country this season. She is also the primary stick stopper on attacking corners for Temple. Gross has one assist on the year, and scored her first goal of the season in the Owls' Senior Day win against Lafayette on Oct. 30. She has also collected a pair of defensive saves for Temple.
"Paige's leadership throughout the year has been very prominent and effective as the season has gone on," said Freeman. "Her skill sets are top notch and her ability to execute under pressure has made her a threat in our backfield throughout the season."
Mueller is the team's leading scorer this season with 10 goals including three game-winning goals. She scored two goals including the overtime game-winner at Sacred Heart on Sept. 25, and again scored the overtime game-winner in an upset of Old Dominion on Oct. 7. Mueller also scored one of two goals in a 2-0 shutout of Holy Cross on Oct. 2 and has scored in nine of 18 games overall for the Owls. She has totaled 19 career goals to date.
"Rachael has shown great improvement from last season to this year," said Freeman. "She's learned a tremendous amount, and her ability to apply what she's learned into practical settings has been evident throughout the year. She has proven herself to be a continual student of the game, and continues to lead by example."
BIG EAST regular-season champion, No. 4 Connecticut, garnered three major awards, including Nancy Stevens' 10th BIG EAST Coaching Staff of the Year certificate. Conference newcomer Liberty also shared in major awards, earning two.
Â
For a second consecutive year, UConn forward Charlotte Veitner was unanimously selected as BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year. UConn back Anna Middendorf and Liberty back Serena Barr were named Co-Defensive Players of the Year and Liberty's Allison Schaefer claimed BIG EAST Freshman of the Year.
Â
For a full listing of the BIG EAST Awards, click HERE.
Â
Â
"On behalf of all the staff, we're incredibly proud of Paige and Rachael's performances this season," said Temple head coach Marybeth Freeman. "They have both been vital to the success of our team in 2016."Â
While Gross's role on the team is not one where she collects numbers on the stat sheet, she is recognized for her smart play on the field and leadership abilities. Gross has been utilized this season in both the defensive center midfield position as well as in the backfield, and has been key in making open field tackles against some of the top teams in the country this season. She is also the primary stick stopper on attacking corners for Temple. Gross has one assist on the year, and scored her first goal of the season in the Owls' Senior Day win against Lafayette on Oct. 30. She has also collected a pair of defensive saves for Temple.
"Paige's leadership throughout the year has been very prominent and effective as the season has gone on," said Freeman. "Her skill sets are top notch and her ability to execute under pressure has made her a threat in our backfield throughout the season."
Mueller is the team's leading scorer this season with 10 goals including three game-winning goals. She scored two goals including the overtime game-winner at Sacred Heart on Sept. 25, and again scored the overtime game-winner in an upset of Old Dominion on Oct. 7. Mueller also scored one of two goals in a 2-0 shutout of Holy Cross on Oct. 2 and has scored in nine of 18 games overall for the Owls. She has totaled 19 career goals to date.
"Rachael has shown great improvement from last season to this year," said Freeman. "She's learned a tremendous amount, and her ability to apply what she's learned into practical settings has been evident throughout the year. She has proven herself to be a continual student of the game, and continues to lead by example."
BIG EAST regular-season champion, No. 4 Connecticut, garnered three major awards, including Nancy Stevens' 10th BIG EAST Coaching Staff of the Year certificate. Conference newcomer Liberty also shared in major awards, earning two.
Â
For a second consecutive year, UConn forward Charlotte Veitner was unanimously selected as BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year. UConn back Anna Middendorf and Liberty back Serena Barr were named Co-Defensive Players of the Year and Liberty's Allison Schaefer claimed BIG EAST Freshman of the Year.
Â
For a full listing of the BIG EAST Awards, click HERE.
Â
Â
Players Mentioned
M
/ Field Hockey
M
/ Field HockeyTemple Men's Basketball 2025-26 All Access | Game 22 WHITE OUT VS USF
Tuesday, February 03
Ep. 35: Football's Peter Clarke & Curly Ordonez
Tuesday, February 03
Ep. 34: Head Fencing Coach Jennie Salmon
Friday, January 30
MBB Press Conference vs. Charlotte (Adam Fisher)
Thursday, January 29
