Posted on: Wednesday, November 3, 2004
HOMEGROWN REPORT
ACC honors Duke's Lipsher, Ferguson
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By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Two Hawai'i freshmen at Duke University are making an immediate impact.
Soccer player Allison Lipsher and cross country runner Tia Ferguson were recognized by the Atlantic Coast Conference for their performances.
"I felt cool; it's cool because it is me and my roommate," Lipsher said of teammate Lorraine Quinn, who also received the honor.
Ferguson, a Seabury Hall alum, was named the ACC Freshman of the Year after placing eighth at the ACC Championships Saturday.
"I'm really excited. I think there are three kids total in the freshman class (from Hawai'i)," Ferguson said. "Alli and I are two of them, and it is kind of strange that we are both athletes and having some success."
Ferguson finished the 6-kilometer race in 22 minutes, 14.9 seconds, helping the Blue Devils to their first conference title.
"It's been pretty amazing," Ferguson. "Personally I didn't have a lot of expectations coming into my freshman year, because I'd heard about the adjustment period.
"Everything that has happened so far has been a bonus."
Ferguson competed in five events this season, with her best a second-place finish at the 5K Georgetown Invitational (18:20.25). She also finished 13th at the 5K Aztec Invitational (18:34), 17th at the 6K Penn State National meet (21:22) and 54th at the 5K Great American Cross Country Festival (18:34.40).
"It makes me so happy to read about Alli in the Chronicle (the school newspaper). She has been doing so well. When we see each other on campus, it's such a big deal. I'm so excited for her and she's so excited for me."
Lipsher, who started 14 of 18 matches, amassed six shutouts (third-best in the ACC), seven victories and a 1.11 goals against average. She went a school record 516.34 straight minutes without allowing a goal.
Lipsher said because she and Ferguson are in season, they don't really have time to socialize, although Lipsher likely will visit Ferguson this winter break on a family vacation.
"We talk, (but) we don't really have time to hang out," Lipsher said.
Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2457.
Lipsher, a Punahou graduate from Hawai'i Kai, was named to the 12-member ACC all-Freshman team.
