By Mason Nesbitt, Sports Information Director

A year ago, the following sentence might have confused anyone who closely follows The Master’s University women’s soccer team.

Sarah Stead, Kayla Peterson and Kyndel Borman have all been crucial components of the Mustangs’ offensive attack in 2019. After all, Stead earned her undergraduate degree after the 2017 season; Peterson spent her first three years as a defender; and Borman, a sophomore, showed promise but only scored three goals as a freshman.

But, the statement is true nonetheless and Wednesday the trio was honored for its effort. Stead, Peterson and Borman were each named to the 2019 All-Golden State Athletic Conference team, news the conference released ahead of TMU’s GSAC tournament quarterfinal at home versus Menlo College on Saturday at 11 a.m. Peterson is the second player in program history to earn All-GSAC honors four times. Her first three awards, however, came almost exclusively for her work on defense. This time, she split the year between defense and forward. Her speed and athletic ability allowed her to score six goals, second most on the team.

“From center back to outside back to forward, she has been relentless and excellent wherever we needed her,” Master’s head coach Curtis Lewis said of Peterson, who joined Lynnae George (2015-18) as the program’s only four-time All-GSAC players. “She has really helped shape our offensive pressure and has really kept us in games this year.”

Lewis also credited senior Laura English, whose strong play along the back line allowed Lewis to insert Peterson on an offensive attack led by Borman. The year served as a breakout for Borman, who came to Master’s under the expectation that she would one day be among the team’s leading goal scorers. As a sophomore, she’s made good on that belief. Borman leads Master’s with 12 goals, four of the game-winning variety, and she has added three assists.

“Kyndel has been able to really help carry our offensive scoring this year and we hope she isn’t done,” Lewis said. “Hopefully this is a taste of what her final two years at Master’s will be like.”

It appeared Stead’s final year at Master’s was 2017, after which she departed with her undergraduate degree. She retained, however, one year of eligibility after redshirting in 2016, and she came back to Master’s this season to pursue a Masters in Education and provide extra punch to the Mustangs’ attack. By all accounts, this has been her best season. Stead has compiled four goals and four assists, and her ability to pressure defenses with speed and on-ball poise has set the stage for others to earn points.

She has also provided a veteran presence and listening ear for teammates.

“You never know what God has in store when you decide to step out in faith,” Stead said of returning. “This year I felt like I finally peaked in my soccer play. It took time to figure out my place on the field, but as I tried to trust coach’s placement, I tried to impact the team wherever I was placed.”

Said Lewis, “I’m really proud of how Stead has been productive on and off the field this year. She has helped open up defenses with her one-on-one ability.” Tickets for Saturday’s GSAC quarterfinal at Master’s are $10 for general admission and $5 for students and seniors/active military. There will be no pass-list for this event.

The game will be broadcast live at GoMustangs.com/Watch.