Dec. 6, 2012

OXFORD, Miss. – Junior forward Rafaelle Souza has been named a first team All-Region selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, the organization announced this week when the organization announced its annual award winners.

It marks the second straight season for a Rebel to earn All-Region honors from the NSCAA as senior Alix Hildal earned a spot on the All-Region third team a year ago.

Souza finished the 2012 season tied for the Southeastern Conference lead in goals scored and points with teammate Mandy McCalla after notching 13 goals and tallying 33 points for the Rebels this season. She posted two goals twice, in wins over UAB and Arkansas.

Souza also posted four game-winning goals this year in matches against Louisiana-Lafayette, UALR, Arkansas and hit a big game-winning goal with 43 seconds left in the match to down LSU and propel the Rebels into the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament.

Souza also came up with seven assists on the season to rank in the top 10 in the SEC in a third offensive category.

A native of Salvador, Brazil, Souza also excelled in the classroom this season as she was named the SEC Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year with a 3.72 GPA in Engineering. She was also named a Capital One Academic All-District first team selection by the College Sports Information Directors of America.