ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Nazareth's women's soccer team, runners-up in the Empire 8 Conference in 2008, was honored with five first-team all-stars as the squads were released Tuesday. The teams were selected through voting conducted by the league's nine head coaches.

Conference champion Ithaca also had five first-team selections, including Offensive Player of the Year Amy Sheffer. Ithaca's Mindy Quigg also was honored as Coach of the Year.

Nazareth senior midfielder Rachel Cushman was a first-team selection for the third year in a row. Senior midfielder Ashley Clinton and senior defender Carly Schurman returned to the first team after earning the same honor in 2006. Senior forward Kelly Finn and sophomore goalkeeper Hillary Simon also made the first team.

Second-team honors went to senior defender Emily Zurschmit. Freshman midfielder Kaylee Benz was selected E8 Rookie of the Year and was an honorable mention choice along with sophomore defender Kara Eaker.

Cushman, of Rochester and a graduate of Irondequoit High School, battled through a series of injuries in 2008 to finish the regular season as Nazareth's second leading scorer with seven goals and four assists. She ranks in the top 10 for all-time scoring with 74 points, including 30 goals. 

Clinton, of Rexford, N.Y., and Schurman, or Baldwinsville, N.Y., were both dynamic defensive-minded players. Clinton contributed two goals and three assists while Schurman had one assist.

Finn, of Cortland, N.Y., was the Golden Flyers' leading scorer for the second year in a row. She has 12 goals and three assists heading into this weekend's NCAA Tournament game against Endicott. She also ranks in Nazareth's top 10 all-time with 70 points, including 32 goals.

Simon, of Homer, N.Y., started 19 of the Golden Flyers' 20 games and amassed 108 saves while allowing 24 goals. She also posted three shutouts.

Benz, of Truxton, N.Y., was the top-scoring first year player in the Empire 8 with 12 points on four goals and four assists. Zurschmit, of Camden, N.Y., and Eaker, of Scotia, N.Y., each had one assist.