PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Kaoru Hayashi and Emily Rocco were each honored by the Horizon League for their efforts during the 2021 campaign with end of year plaudits, the league announced Friday.
Hayashi takes home Second Team All-League honors for the second consecutive season, while the rookie Rocco was named to the Horizon League All-Freshman team following her first season in Moon Township.
Hayashi was one of the most impact players in all three thirds of the pitch for RMU in 2021.
The Ama, Japan native excelled in the two-way game, a key part of RMU's defensive structure who also finished the season as the teams' second-leading scorer with three goals and four assists, including two overtime game-winners.
Rocco, meanwhile, enjoyed an impressive rookie season in Moon Township, finishing the year with the third-most goals on the team with two, the only freshman to record multiple goals for the Colonials.
The Upper Saint Clair, Pa. native scored her first collegiate goal in her second career NCAA appearance, opening the scoring in Robert Morris' 2-1 overtime win at Mount. St. Mary's on August 21 before also finding the back of the net in the Colonials 4-2 win at Hampton three weeks later.
Rocco was one of just four Colonials to start all 19 games for Robert Morris in 2021, and the only freshman to do so. She finished the year with 16 shots and five shots on goal.
