KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Belmont Abbey women's soccer team was recognized as a recipient of the Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Award by United Soccer Coaches earlier this week.

In total, 45 men's and women's team received either the Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze Award, which recognizes teams that exhibit fair play, sporting behavior and adherence to the laws of the game.

The award is reflected by the number of yellow caution cards or red ejection cards they are shown by referees throughout the season based on the number of cards accumulated divided by the number of games played. The Crusaders received the Silver Award and were recognized by the organization for this honor for the 12th straight year and were

"Here at Belmont Abbey College, how we play matters," Head Coach Mike Lynch said. "Loving and respecting our teammates, opponents, officials, spectators and the laws of the game is our pursued culture. Recognition by United Soccer Coaches for our sporting behavior, while also winning the conference championship, gives us evidence and confidence for how to compete as a Belmont Abbey student-athlete."

The full release from the organization and the teams recognized for the awards can be found here.