Ballek and DeJianne Earn All-Conference Honors

NEW ORLEANS – Ethan Ballek and Matthew DeJianne earned Sun Belt All-Conference honors it was announced Friday (Nov. 8). Ballek was named to the All-Sun Belt Second Team, while DeJianne was named to the All-Freshman team.

A senior forward, Ballek earned Second Team honors for the second consecutive season after being named to the Preseason All-Conference team. Over 17 matches and 15 starts he led South Carolina in every offensive category, tallying eight goals, four assists, and 20 points. He was one of only two players in the league to register eight or more goals and four or more assists on the season. He was fourth in the league in goals and points. The MLS SuperDraft selection tallied three goals in conference game, all of which came against opponents that were receiving votes in the Unites Soccer Coaches poll. His best match of the season came at home against Winthrop where he registered two goals and an assist in the victory. He was named the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week honors on Sept. 16.

DeJianne is the first Gamecock since Harrison Myring in 2021 to earn All-Freshman honors. A midfielder, he played in 16 matches on the season and started five times over 473 minutes played. He was tied for third on the team with two assists and tied for fifth with two goals. His six points also ranked fifth on the squad. He netted a brace a win over Winthrop.

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