Eastern Michigan soccer player Angela Vultaggio has been named the Mid-American Conference’s Freshman of the Year, becoming just the second player in school history to win the award.

The forward led the Eagles in scoring with six goals and one assist.

“She grew up a bit this year,” said Eastern Michigan coach Scott Hall. “I think we did a good job as a team to attack and get her in good spots. But she can also get herself in good spots.”

Hall knew coming into this year that Vultaggio had a chance to be a factor for his team.

“We saw her at the club level and you knew she had the ability to play on a high level,” said Hall. “She’s only going to get better.”

Vultaggio, a native of Chesterfield, played in every game and continued to show improvement throughout the season. She would eventually start in nine games this season.

Two of Vultaggio’s teammates -- Emily Dzik and Bianca Rossi -- were also elected to the MAC All-Freshman team.

Hall thought his players learned a lot this season about how tough it is to play on the college level.

“They’re realizing how tight the game is,” Hall said. “For young players, they don’t always know what’s around the corner.”

With so many underclassmen on the team, Hall thinks his team has a chance to compete for a conference title soon.

“We’ve got to find some confidence; we’ve got a lot of young talent. This team is definitely going to be a team in the next two or three years that will be vying for a title.”

EMU runner named Scholar Athlete of the Week

After leading the EMU men’s cross country to its 16th conference title in program history, junior Terefe Ejigu has been named the MAC Scholar Athlete of the Week. Ejigu ran a time of 26:16.0 in the 8,000 meter race to finish second overall in the meet. He was also a member of the All-MAC first team for his performance.

The award is presented to athletes who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, while excelling in their sport. The International Affairs major currently holds a 3.53 GPA.

Ann Arbor hosting Big Ten Tournament

The Big Ten’s men’s soccer tournament will be held this week at the U-M Soccer Stadium. Games started Wednesday and continue with the semifinals on Friday and the championship game at noon Sunday.

The semifinal and final round will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network. Tickets for matches are still available.

Bhatia captures singles title

EMU women’s tennis player Ankita Bhatia won the C draw singles title at the Green-White Invitational held at Michigan State University last week. The freshmen beat Wisconsin’s Lauren Gruber 6-3, 6-1 to capture her first singles title.

Madwed is Big Ten Swimmer of the Week

With victories in the 200-yard and 100-yard butterfly events last week, U-M men’s senior swimmer Dan Medwed was named the Big Ten’s Swimmer of the Week on Tuesday. Medwed finished the 200-yard with a time of 1:45.66 and the 100-yard 47.42.

The two times are currently the top marks in the NCAA and are NCAA provisional qualifying marks. He also finished in second-place in the 200-yard medley relay with a team relay time of 1:29.42 just behind Texas.

This is the fourth time Madwed has won the award and the first time this season.

Upcoming home schedule:

Friday:

Men’s soccer: Big Ten Tournament semi-finals, 3:30 p.m. at U-M Soccer Stadium

U-M men’s basketball: 7 p.m. vs. Ferris State at Crisler Arena

EMU men’s basketball: 7 p.m. vs. Illinois-Chicago at Convocation Center

Saturday:

EMU football: 1 p.m. vs. Buffalo at Rynearson Stadium

Sunday:

Men’s soccer: Big Ten Tournamnet final, noon at U-M Soccer Stadium

Monday:

EMU women’s basketball: 7 p.m. vs. Marygrove at Convocation Center