While the Ballard Beaver girls soccer team fell short of making the playoffs this fall, six players were named to the KingCo All League Team that was announced last week.

"It shows we have gained the respect of the league. The program is growing. We have players who are strong," said head coach Val Seid.

Junior mid-fielder Jessica Nelson and senior forward Mikaela Winter made the first team.

Nelson was a force on defense.

"She stepped up to the plate and caused a lot of teams havoc," said Seid.

Offense was Winter's specialty and just missed being named KingCo's Most Valuable Player award by a few votes.

"She was the top scorer in the league," the coach said.

Seniors Britta Humes, goalkeeper and mid-fielder Lucy Miner are on the second team. Sisters Sara Ives, a sophomore forward and Lauren Ives, a junior defender also were named to the second team.

Mid-fielder Emily Burkland and defender Anna Kelsey were on the honorable mention list.

Seid knew some of his players would receive All-League consideration but was surprised how many were chosen. Players and coaches in KingCo vote for players and players with the most votes earn the recognition.

Last season Ballard made the playoffs but not the respect of other teams when it came time to vote.

Now teams are aware of the quality of girls soccer at Ballard.

"They know Ballard will be tough," said Seid.

Ballard finished with a 3-4-3 league record that was good for fourth place in the KingCo Mountain Division this season.

Dean Wong may be reached at deanw@robinsonnews.com