Misericordia freshman forward Sam Helmstetter was selected as the 2009 Freedom Conference Rookie of the Year, as announced Tuesday by the MAC.

Helmstetter was also selected as first-team All-Freedom. Senior midfielder Ashley McDonnell and junior defender Jenn Brucker were chosen as second-team All-Freedom.

Helmstetter totaled seven goals for the season and finished second in the Freedom Conference with eight assists. She had two goals and three assists in a conference victory over FDU-Florham, and later had a hat-trick against Delaware Valley.

McDonnell, the Cougars' lone senior, was chosen as a second-team All-Conference player for the second consecutive season. A tough, physical presence, she controlled the midfield for MU while also contributing a goal and two assists.

Brucker anchored the Misericordia defense in 2009, while also providing an offensive spark in several key matches. Her free kick goal from 40 yards out beat conference rival Wilkes, and she assisted on the game-winning goal against Delaware Valley.