UMaine’s Stephenson, Di Ielsi all-league picks Bears play at Hartford in quarterfinals today

University of Maine senior midfielder Kim Stephenson of Hampden and junior fullback Cristina Di Ielsi of Laval, Quebec, have been selected to the All-America East women’s soccer second team.

Stephenson had two assists for the Black Bears and was instrumental in generating the Bears’ attack with her athleticism, passing and decision-making. She also played a vital role in the defense, which held opponents to an average of 1.06 goals per game.

Di Ielsi was the defensive catalyst as she combined her tenacity with good positioning. She also dished out two assists.

The No. 5 University of Maine women (6-5-6, 3-3-2 America East), play at No. 4 Hartford (8-6-4, 4-3-1 AE) tonight at 6 in the America East quarterfinals.

The teams battled to a 0-0 double-overtime tie Oct. 9 in Orono.

Maine is led by goalie Jasmine Phillips (8 shutouts, 0.95 goals-against average, .793 save percentage); backs Anjelica Hodgson, Hailey Blackburn and Di Ielsi; midfielders Stephenson and Kelsey Wilson (2 goals, 2 assists); and strikers Christine LaBelle (5 & 1) and Carolyne Nellis (2 & 3). Maine has held teams to one goal or less in 13 of its 17 games.

Hartford features Lauren Aldred (8 & 0), Breeanna Robinson (6 & 1), Kacey Busque (2 & 7) and Laura Guigli (4 & 0) along with goalkeeper Lauren Brodeur (6 shutouts, 0.64, .860).