Downtain deemed one of West’s best for second straight season

Wildcats defender earns Second Team All-Region honors

It may not elicit the same “leap up and down, pump your fist and scream” reaction Molly Downtain enjoyed at the end of her sophomore season when she drove home the winning penalty kick to lift the Chico State women’s soccer team into the second round of the NCAA Championship Tournament for the first time. But as far as individual honors go, Downtain again has something to be quite proud of. For the second time in as many years, she’s been recognized as one of the best players in the West Region.

Downtain received Daktronics Second Team All-West Region honors following a vote from members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). She also collected Second Team All-West Region honors from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) last season. This year's NSCAA All-Region teams will be released on Dec. 3.

The 5-foot-11 captain has anchored the Wildcats’ defense over the last two seasons. She also made herself an offensive threat this season, bringing height and strength into the box for set pieces and corner kicks, and twice found the back of the net.

Downtain has a chance to become the fifth women’s soccer player in Chico State history to earn three consecutive All-Region honors next season. But her focus will likely be on making some more history in the NCAA Championship Tournament.