Although it was one of the very first to be dismissed from the Big Ten Tournament in Madison, Wisc., last week, the Penn State women's soccer team made the most noise before a single match was even played.

The post-season playoffs were kicked off last Wednesday night at a banquet and an awards ceremony with all eyes on the No. 7 Nittany Lions (16-3-2, 9-2) who swept the three most distinguished awards.

Penn State women's soccer coach Paula Wilkins received her second Big Ten Coach of the Year honor in only three years as head coach. Senior captain Joanna Lohman was named Big Ten Athlete of the Year and midfielder Ali Krieger garnered praise as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

In addition, six other Lions made the All-Big Ten first and second team rosters.

"I think it's a very nice compliment," Wilkins said of her award.

"But more importantly, for me, it's a reflection on my team."

Wilkins took over as head coach three years ago when Pat Farmer stepped down from the position after a seven-year tenure. In her three seasons at the helm, Wilkins holds an overall record of 56-10-4.

All conference opponents had Lohman marked up as a threat to their team before the season began, following her addition to the M.A.C. Hermann Trophy watch list.

In Big Ten play, she lived up to the preseason expectations bestowed upon her, scoring the most game-winning goals (3), finishing tied for second in points (15) and third in goals (6).

"I'm a senior and a captain," Lohman said.

"It's our job as captains to take the team on our backs and lead them to a championship."

Wilkins said Lohman may be the best technical player in the conference and earned the recognition because of her strong work ethic both defensively and offensively. She was the only player to receive a unanimous vote to the All-Big Ten first team.

As the lone freshman to start every match for Penn State this season, Krieger's presence on the field is not justified by statistics.

While she did capture the Big Ten record for assists in one game (4), Lohman said that Krieger does more than just score points.

"She does the intangible things," Lohman said.

"She never stops running and she creates opportunities for everyone around her."

Wilkins is looking forward to coaching Krieger for three more years. She said that her skills and abilities have only gotten better with each game.

"When most players are usually running out of gas near the end of the season, Ali is only getting stronger," Wilkins said.