LATHAM, N.Y. - Penn State Harrisburg's Sydney Hemler was named the United East Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Year to lead eight all-conference selections, as announced by the league on Thursday afternoon.

In addition to her major award, Hemler was also named to the United East All-Conference First Team. She was joined on the first team by Kylee Altland and Sydney Mulka. Kyla Brossoit, Sarah Toche-Manley, Abigail Frew, Hannah Wheeler, and Amy Patkos earned second-team all-conference recognition.

Hemler turned in an outstanding season, leading a defensive unit that is allowing just .56 goals per game. The outside back has helped lead the team to 13 shutouts on the year, including eight in a row to end the fall. The Boiling Springs, Pa. native also recorded nine total points thanks to four goals and an assist. Hemler was named the United East Defensive Player of the Week three times in October.

Altland was one of the team's top offensive players, ranking second on the team with eight goals scored and 18 total points. The Millersburg, Pa. native converted two game-winning markers this fall and added a pair of assists. 

Mulka broke onto the scene as a freshman and was strong in goal, starting all 18 games in net. The Albion, N.Y. native made 54 saves on the year, posted an .844 save percentage, and finished with a .62 goals allowed average. She earned a dozen victories this season, with seven of them coming in the form of a shutout. 

Brossoit had a breakout junior campaign and emerged as another of the team's top offensive performers. The Hanover, Pa. native led the team with 21 total points and nine goals, four of which were game winners, to go along with three assists. She recorded the first hat trick of her career in mid-October and was named the United East Offensive Player of the Week for her efforts. 

Toche-Manley had another strong season in the midfield this fall, tallying seven total points behind a pair of goals and three assists. The Harleysville, Pa. native also contributed to a defensive unit that racked up 13 shutouts on the year while allowing just .56 goals per contest. For her efforts, she was tabbed the United East Defensive Player of the Week in mid-September.

Frew made an immediate impact during her freshman campaign, emerging as another offensive weapon on the front line. The Pine Grove, Pa. native started all 18 games as a rookie and finished with 11 total points on the year thanks to three goals and five assists.

Wheeler continued her ascent as a center back this season, helping to anchor the best defensive group in the conference. The Hanover, Pa. native contributed the team's impressive shutout total and goals allowed average, while also adding four total points with one goal and assist this fall.

Patkos was another member of the team's vaunted back line that made life tough on opposing squads this season. The Hatfield, Pa. native shined opposite Hemler on the outside, helping the team to 13 shutouts and a sterling goals allowed average. She also added one assist this fall.