VCU SENIOR NAMED TO PRESEASON ALL-CAA SQUAD
Stephen-Dowd anchored strong back line a year ago

RICHMOND, Va.—A key component in the Virginia Commonwealth University women’s soccer team’s run to the CAA title game last season has been honored with a spot on the 2008 CAA Preseason All-CAA team.

Senior defender Samara Stephen-Dowd (Vienna, Va.) picked up a spot on the team a year after earning her place on the 2007 CAA All-Tournament team. Stephen-Dowd anchored a defense that limited opponents to just two goals in three CAA Tournament games. She held CAA Player of the Year Claire Zimmeck scoreless in the Rams’ 0-0 draw with William & Mary in the CAA semifinals. VCU won the match on penalty kicks to advance to the championship round.

For the season, Stephen-Dowd registered a goal and an assist, in addition to displaying her defensive prowess.

Stephen-Dowd is one of nine returning starters on VCU squad that went 11-7-3 in 2007. The Rams open the 2008 season, the second year under co-head coaches Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak and Tim Sahaydak, at local rival Richmond. The Rams and Spiders commence their seasons Friday, August 29 at 7:00 p.m.