Blake is a sophomore defender majoring in accounting. Lorbert is a junior goalkeeper majoring in biological sciences.
Eastern was one of seven teams in District 5 to have two players honored on either the First or Second Teams. District 5 encompasses universities based in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The Panthers have had at least one Academic All-District honoree in eight of the last nine seasons. It also marks the fifth time that multiple EIU players have been recognized in the same year.
“I'm very proud of Hillary and Kaylin being recognized for this award,” EIU head coach Summer Perala said. “Both young women have proven the ability to be excellent, well-rounded students both on the field and in the classroom. They encompass the true meaning of student-athlete.”
Blake is the only Panther has played every minute of every game this season. Dating back to 2008, she has started 23 straight contests and played 2,280 consecutive minutes.
Lorbert started each of the first nine games this season, marking the first time an EIU goalkeeper did so since 2005. She leads the Ohio Valley Conference in save percentage (.866) and ranked 23rd nationally this week. She has compiled a 0.93 goals against average and ranks second in the OVC with a 5.8 saves per game average.
Together, Blake and Lorbert have helped EIU post six shutouts this season. The Panthers did not surrender a goal at home for 284 consecutive minutes from Sept. 20 to Oct. 16. Eastern has also extended its Ohio Valley Conference record of consecutive league tournament berths to 11.
Blake and Lorbert both won the OVC Medal of Honor this past summer for their 4.0 GPAs during the previous school year. Lorbert is a two-time Medal of Honor winner.
The ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District teams are selected by members of College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). To be a qualifying nominee for the ballot, a student-athlete must hold at least sophomore status, carry a minimum 3.3 GPA, and be a starter or key contributor to his or her team.
