Courtesy: The Valley http://www.mvc-sports.com/

Abby Guerra, a member of the University of Evansville soccer team, was killed in a traffic accident Sunday night about 50 miles west of her home in Glendale, Arizona. She would have been a sophomore at UE. The funeral is tentatively scheduled for Monday in Arizona.

Guerra was a passenger in a vehicle that included five people, according to police reports. Two others are in critical condition. They were returning from an outing at Disneyland in southern California when the accident occurred on Interstate 10 at approximately 8:25 local time. The cause of the one-vehicle accident is still under investigation, although police reports indicate that the driver lost control and the vehicle rolled over.

Abby was a nursing major, with hopes of becoming an emergency room nurse. She made an immediate impact for the Aces' soccer team in the midfield as a freshman last fall, earning a place in the starting lineup during pre-season practice and finishing fourth on the team in goals (2) and points (5). Abby was born December 11, 1990 in Phoenix, Arizona. Immediate survivors include her parents, Sergio and Maria Guerra, and her older brother, David.

"I am proud to say that Abby was and will always be a part of our Aces family," said head coach Krista McKendree. "She was a wonderful young lady who loved soccer, life, family, and friends. She has enriched all of our lives and will be greatly missed. Athletics are so much more than the sport and in times such as this it becomes more apparent. Our thoughts are with the Guerra family in this difficult time."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Abby's family," said Director of Athletics John Stanley. "Abby was an upbeat, cheerful person who quickly became a leader of our soccer team during her freshman year. A death is always very difficult to deal with, but especially the unexpected death of a young person. To say the least, this has been very difficult for our women's soccer coaching staff and players."

The University of Evansville is offering counseling support through the UE Counseling Center, 488-2663. University Chaplain Tammy Gieselman can also be reached at 488-2260.