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Utah State defender Taryn Rose was named the Defensive Player of the Year on Tuesday for the Mountain West as the league announced its postseason awards.

Senior midfielder Lexie Morgan earned second-team all-Mountain West honors.

Rose is no stranger to awards, as she was the WAC Freshman of the Year in 2011 and has earned all-conference honors every year of her career.

Morgan led the Aggies with four goals this season, including three that were game-winners.

"I think it's really fitting that these two players were honored for us," said USU coach Heather Cairns. "Taryn is the heartbeat of our defense, and Lexie is the heartbeat of our midfield."

The Aggies are the fifth seed in the league tournament that starts Tuesday night in San Diego. USU plays fourth-seeded Colorado College.

The teams played to a 1-1 double-overtime draw earlier this season in Colorado Springs, giving the Aggies a 1-0-2 all-time record against the school.

— Lya Wodraska