Western New England 2000-2003 College Women's Lacrosse News

2003 NEWLA TOURNAMENT RUNNERS-UP

2003 ECAC NEW ENGLAND DIVISION III TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALISTS

FOUR PLAYERS NAMED TO IWLCA DIVISION III ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (June 17, 2003) — Four Western New England College players were named Tuesday to the 2003 Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Division III Academic Honor Roll.

They were seniors Anna Adair (Castleton, NY), elementary education, and Sarah Lerz (Wolcott, CT), marketing communications/advertising, and juniors Tina Amarante (Cheshire, CT), computer information systems, and Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY), finance.

Western New England College also received a Merit Squad award from the IWLCA for having a team grade-point-average of 3.00 or better.

JUNIOR SHANNON PIZZINGRILLI SELECTED TO NATIONAL VERIZON ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA TEAM

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (June 12, 2003) — Western New England College junior lacrosse standout Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) added another impressive award to her collection Thursday (June 12) when she was named to the 2003 Verizon Academic All-America College Division Women's At-Large Second Team.

Pizzingrilli was among six New England Division II/III student-athletes voted to the 45-member academic squad by the nation's college sports publicists. Colby senior Eleanor Boyce (rowing) made the first squad while third-team honors went to Brandeis senior Tracy Marien (fencing), Franklin Pierce senior Kelly Henry (field hockey), New Haven senior Kelley Delaney (lacrosse), and Wesleyan senior Betsy Masiello (field hockey).

Pizzingrilli has a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade-point-average in finance. She was voted the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Scholar Athlete-of-the-Year the past two seasons and was a repeat selection on the All-NEWLA First Team.

She also made the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III New England All-Star First Team and was the 2003 WNEC Most Valuable Player.

A center/defensive wing, Pizzingrilli is the second WNEC lacrosse player to receive this prestigious national honor. Former captain Laura Sturgis '01 was a first-team selection in 2001.

Pizzingrilli led the Golden Bears in scoring this past spring with a school record 97 points (55 goals, 42 assists). She led the team in ground balls (88) and draw controls (35), and was second in caused turnovers (47). Pizzingrilli was 14th nationally in assists per game (2.33 avg.) and 17th in points per game (5.39). She is the school's all-time leading scorer with 179 points (111 goals, 68 assists).

Student-athletes from 1,644 Division II/III programs in 12 sports (fencing, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rifle, rowing, skiing, swimming, tennis, and water polo) are eligible for the Verizon Academic All-America College Division Women's At-Large Team.

JUNIOR SHANNON PIZZINGRILLI AGAIN NAMED NEWLA SCHOLAR-ATHLETE-OF-THE-YEAR

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (May 30, 2003) — Western New England College junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) was named the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Scholar Athlete-of-the-Year for the second consecutive season.

Pizzingrilli, a center/defensive wing, has a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade-point-average in finance. She led WNEC in scoring this past spring with a school record 97 points (55 goals, 42 assists). She also led the Golden Bears in ground balls (88) and draw controls (35), and was second in caused turnovers (47). Pizzingrilli is the school's all-time leading scorer with 179 points (111 goals, 68 assists). She was a repeat selection on the All-NEWLA First Team, a member of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III New England All-Star First Team, and the WNEC Most Valuable Player.

Also gaining All-NEWLA First Team honors were seniors Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) and Brenna Plutino (Pitman, NJ), sophomore Sarah Cunningham (LaGrangeville, NY), and freshmen Tara Cushman (Scituate, MA) and Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA). Senior Anna Adair (Castleton, NY) made the All-NEWLA Second Team.

Carney, a defensive wing/center, contributed 31 points (17 goals, 14 assists) and led the team in caused turnovers (60 that was sixth nationally).

Plutino, an attack player, scored 42 points (31 goals, 11 assists) with 51 ground balls. She finished her career with 118 points (80 goals, 38 assists).

Cunningham played the cover point position and was second on the team in ground balls (82) and third in caused turnovers (37). She also scored five points (2 goals, 3 assists).

Cushman, a goalie enjoyed a solid rookie season compiling a 7.59 goals-against-average (that was 19th nationally) and 54.5 save percentage in 16 contests (12 starts).

Nowell, a right attack wing, had a successful rookie season finishing second on the team in scoring with 47 points (25 goals, 22 assists).

Adair, a defender and team tri-captain, compiled 26 ground balls and 14 caused turnovers while scoring seven points (5 goals, 2 assists). She also was the recipient of the WNEC Coaches Award for dedication and leadership.

In other news, sophomore attack player Kristin Pimental (Tiverton, RI) was selected the WNEC Most Improved Player after scoring 27 points (14 goals, 13 assists). Senior attack player and tri-captain Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY) was third on the team in scoring with 43 points (31 goals, 12 assists). She ended her outstanding career second on the school's all-time scoring list with 177 points (school record 135 goals, 42 assists).

Western New England College posted an 11-7 record for the program's fourth consecutive winning season. The Golden Bears placed second in the NEWLA Tournament and advanced to the semifinals of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) New England Division III Championship.

JAMIE CARNEY NAMED WNEC COCA-COLA FEMALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-YEAR

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Three-sport standout Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) was honored as the WNEC Coca-Cola Female Athlete-of-the-Year at the school's Spring Sports Banquet on May 4, 2003.

Carney, a biology major, was a team captain in basketball and cross-country, and among the top players on the lacrosse team.

The cross-country program is only four years old and Carney was the only four-year runner on the team.

In basketball, she led the Golden Bears to an 18-10 record and the championship finals of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament for the first time in school history. A four-year starter at forward, she was second on the team in scoring (12.5 avg.) and first in rebounding (10.5) in gaining All-GNAC First Team honors. Carney finished her career second in rebounding (948) and eighth in scoring (1,165 points).

In lacrosse, Carney was a repeat selection on the All-New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) First Team. She scored 31 points (17 goals, 14 assists) from her defensive position and finished her three-year career with 55 points (32-23).

Saturday, May 10, 2003
(ECAC New England Division III Tournament - Semifinals)
Plymouth State 18, WNEC 9

PLYMOUTH, N.H. — Junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) scored three goals and added four assists as fourth-seeded Western New England College bowed to top-seeded Plymouth State College, 18-9, in a semifinal round game of the 2003 ECAC New England Division III Championship.

Pizzingrilli became the school's all-time leading scorer with 179 points (111 goals, 68 assists). She also set another school mark for points in a season with 97 (55-42).

Senior Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) and sophomore Kristin Pimental (Tiverton, RI) each contributed two goals. Senior Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY) had one goal to finish second on the school's all-time scoring list with 177 points (135 goals, 42 assists).

WNEC ends its season with an 11-7 record.

Wednesday, May 7, 2003
(ECAC New England Division III Tournament - Quarterfinals)
WNEC 21, Colby-Sawyer 11

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) had six goals and two assists, and freshman Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA) added three goals and four assists to lead Western New England College to a 21-11 victory over visiting Colby-Sawyer College in a quarterfinal round game of the 2003 ECAC New England Division III Championship.

Seniors Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY) and Brenna Plutino (Pitman, NJ) also scored three goals while senior Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) had two goals and two assists.

WNEC, which led 14-5 at half-time, hit the 20-goal mark for the fifth time this season. The Golden Bears improved their record to 11-6.

GOLDEN BEARS SEEDED FOURTH IN THE ECAC NEW ENGLAND DIVISION III CHAMPIONSHIP

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (May 6, 2003) — Western New England College will host Colby-Sawyer College at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday (May 7) in quarterfinal round game of the 2003 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) New England Division III Tournament.

The Golden Bears are seeded fourth while the Chargers are seeded fifth.

WNEC has a 10-6 record after finishing second in the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Tournament.

Junior center Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) leads the team in scoring with 82 points (46 goals, 36 assists). She is third on the school's all-time scoring list with 164 points (102 goals, 62 assists). Pizzingrilli passed the 100-goal mark against Bridgewater State College in the NEWLA Tournament championship game last Saturday.

This will be Western New England College's third appearance in a post-season tournament in the last four years. The Golden Bears participated in the ECAC New England Division III Tournament in 2000 and the NCAA Division III Championship last year.

Western New England College Spring Sports Banquet
Sunday, May 4, 2003
List of Award Recipients

Women's Lacrosse
Most Valuable Player - Junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY)
Most Improved Player - Sophomore Kristin Pimental (Tiverton, RI)
Coaches Award - Senior Anna Adair (Castleton, NY)

Saturday, May 3, 2003
Bridgewater State 18, WNEC 7
(NEWLA Tournament - Championship game)

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. — Bridgewater State College captured the 2003 New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Tournament title with an 18-7 win over visiting Western New England College

Senior Brenna Plutino (Pitman, NJ) and junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) each scored three goals for the Golden Bears (10-6) who trailed 14-4 at half-time.

This was the fourth straight year that the teams battled for the NEWLA title. BSC captured the 2000 and 2001 tournaments while WNEC won its first NEWLA crown last year.

Thursday, May 1, 2003
WNEC 27, Lasell 6
(NEWLA Tournament - Semifinals)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) scored five goals and had five assists as defending champion Western New England College advanced to the championship game of the NEWLA Tournament with an easy 27-6 win over visiting Lasell College.

Senior Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY) added four goals and three assists in her final home appearance for the Golden Bears. Junior Whitney Boucher (Tyngsboro, MA) contributed four goals and two assists. Freshman Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA) had three goals and two assists to score points in her 15th consecutive game.

The 27 goals tied the school record set earlier this season against Salem State College.

WNEC (10-5) will play at top-seeded Bridgewater State College (9-3) Saturday.

SHANNON PIZZINGILLI (AGAIN) SELECTED NEWLA DEFENSIVE PLAYER-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (April 28, 2003) — Western New England College junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) was named the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Defensive Player-of-the-Week for the second time this season on Monday. She had seven ground balls, seven caused turnovers, and five draw controls in a 13-9 win at Manhattanville College.

Pizzingrilli, a finance major, leads the Golden Bears in scoring (69 points), goals (38), assists (31), ground balls (82), and draw controls (29).

Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2003
WNEC 13, Manhattanville 9

PURCHASE, N.Y — Junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) had two goals and six assists and junior Whitney Boucher (Tyngsboro, MA) added three goals to lead visiting Western New England College to a 13-9 victory over Manhattanville College.

Freshman Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA) contributed two goals and an assist as the Golden Bears ended their record season with a 9-5 record.

Western New England College led 7-5 at half-time and 8-7 nine minutes into the second half before scoring three straight goals in a span of 1 minute, 49 seconds. After Manhattanville pulled within 11-9 with 13 minutes remaining, WNEC scored the final two goals of the contest.

Western New England College will host a semifinal game of the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Tournament on Thursday, May 1.

SENIOR JAMIE CARNEY NAMED NEWLA DEFENSIVE PLAYER-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (April 21, 2003) — Western New England College senior Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) was honored Monday as the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Defensive Player-of-the-Week.

Carney, a biology major, had 15 ground balls and 19 caused turnovers in three games. She had eight ground balls at Mount Holyoke College along with seven caused turnovers against Salem State College and six at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Saturday, Apr. 19, 2003
WNEC 27, Salem State 0

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Senior Stephanie Dorcas (Port Jervis, NY) scored four goals and senior Brenna Plutino (Pitman, NJ) and junior Laura Elder (Framingham, MA) each added three goals as Western New England College blanked visiting Salem State College, 27-0, in a New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) game.

The 27 goals was a school record, breaking the old mark of 25 set on April 12 against Castleton State College. It also was the team's third shutout of the season. Eighteen players scored points for the Golden Bears who clinched second place in the conference.

Senior Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) contributed two goals and three assists, senior Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY) had a goal and four assists, and junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) a goal and three assists. Freshman Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA) had a goal and assist scoring in her 13th straight contest.

WNEC improves its record to 8-5 and 5-1 in the NEWLA.

Thursday, Apr. 17, 2003
Mount Holyoke 12, WNEC 9

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. — Seniors Jamie Carney (Orleans, Mass.) and Stephanie Dorcas (Port Jervis, N.Y.) each scored three goals, but host Mount Holyoke College came away with a 12-9 victory over Western New England College.

Carney also had assist for the Golden Bears who fell to 7-5 with their second straight close road loss.

Tuesday, Apr. 15, 2003
Rensselaer 12, WNEC 10

TROY, N.Y. — Despite five goals by junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY), Western New England College dropped a 12-10 decision at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute under the lights at Ned Harkness Field.

The Golden Bears (7-4) held a 9-8 lead with 19:38 remaining in the game before the Red Hawks ran off five straight goals to win for only the third time in eight outings.

Junior Whitney Boucher (Tyngsboro, MA) scored three goals and senior Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY) had two goals.

CHRISTIE PFISTER SELECTED AS THE WNEC FEMALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

Pfister, Shannon Pizzingrilli and Lindsey Burns gain NEWLA honors

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (April 15, 2003) — Lacrosse captain Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY) was honored Tuesday as the Western New England College Female Athletes-of-the-Week.

Pfister, a senior, scored two goals against Castleton State College to become the school's all-time leading scorer with 156 points (122 goals, 34 assists), breaking the old mark of 155 set by Joyce Neilson who graduated last year.

Pfister also had a team high three goals in a win over Western Connecticut State University and a career high 12 ground balls against Castleton State. A marketing/communications major, she is fourth on the team in scoring with 22 points (18 goals, 4 assists) in 10 games.

Pfister also was selected the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Player-of-the-Week on Monday (April 14).

In other news,

Western New England College junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) was selected the NEWLA Defensive Player-of-the-Week. She had 11 ground balls (including seven against Western Connecticut State University), six draw controls, and three caused turnovers in two games. Pizzingrilli leads the Golden Bears in ground balls (62) and draw controls (17), and is third in caused turnovers (15). She is the team's top scorer with 51 points (30 goals, 21 assists). Pizzingrilli is a finance major.

Western New England College freshman Lindsey Burns (Fairport, NY) was named the NEWLA Rookie-of-the-Week. She had the best game of her rookie season with a goal (her second of the year), assist, ground ball, and caused turnover against Castleton State College. An engineering major, Burns also had four caused turnovers and two ground balls against Western Connecticut State University.

Saturday, Apr. 12, 2003
WNEC 25, Castleton State 0

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Senior Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY) scored two goals to become the school's all-time leading scorer with 156 points as Western New England College rolled to an easy 25-0 victory over visiting Castleton State College.

Pfister broke the old mark of 155 points set by Joyce Neilson who graduated last year. Pfister now has a school record 122 goals along with 34 assists.

Senior Brenna Plutino (Pitman, NJ) had three goals, which gave her 101 career points (67 goals, 34 assists).

Junior Tina Amarante (Cheshire, CT) had a career high four goals and four assists. Junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) contributed three goals and four assists. Freshman Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA) had an assist after scoring in her 10th straight contest.

The 25 goals was a school record, breaking the old mark of 24 set earlier this season against Lasell College. Seventeen players scored points for the Golden Bears who improved their record to 7-3 with their third straight win.

Thursday, Apr. 10, 2003
WNEC 11, Western Connecticut 7

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Senior Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY) scored three goals to lead Western New England College to an 11-7 victory over visiting Western Connecticut State University in a non-conference game at Golden Bear Stadium.

Pfister, a team tri-captain, now has 154 career points, which is one point shy of tying the school record of 155 set last year by Joyce Neilson.

Senior Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) added two goals and two assists, and junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) two goals and an assist. Senior Brenna Plutino (Pitman, NJ) contributed two goals while sophomore Kristin Pimental (Tiverton, RI) had a career high four assists.

Freshman Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA), who has scored in every game this season, had one goal.

WNEC improved is record to 6-3 with its third straight games. The Golden Bears led 5-3 at half-time before WCSU pulled within one 1:12 into the second half. The Golden Bears scored six unanswered goals (including two by Carney) to break the game open.

ALYSON NOWELL SELECTED WNEC FEMALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (April 8, 2003) — Freshman Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA) was honored Tuesday as the Western New England College Female Athlete-of-the-Week.

Nowell, an attack player, had two goals and three assists in back-to-back wins over Elms College and Lasell College. She is second on the team in scoring with 25 points (15 goals, 10 assists).

A marketing communications major, Nowell also was a repeat selection as the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Rookie-of-the-Week.

Sunday, Apr. 8, 2003
WNEC 24, Lasell 6

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) had six goals and three assists to lead 12 players in the scoring column as Western New England College rolled to an easy 24-6 win over Lasell College in a New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) contest.

The 24 goals was school record for most goals breaking the old mark of 22 set against Castleton State College last year.

Senior Brenna Plutino (Pitman, NJ) added four goals and three assists while freshman Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA) contributed two goals and three assists.

Freshman Alia Andrews (Westfield, MA) scored the first points of her collegiate career with goal with two assists. Junior Laura Elder (Framingham, MA) and freshman Sarah Metsky (Succasunna, NJ) also scored their first collegiate goals.

Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2003
WNEC 19, Elms 2

CHICOPEE, Mass. — Western New England College jumped to a 13-0 half-time lead and coasted to a 19-2 victory over host Elms College in a New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) game.

Junior Tina Amarante (Cheshire, CT) led the attack with a career high five points (three goals, two assists). Freshman Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA) added two goals and three assists.

Thirteen players scored points with freshmen Lindsey Burns (Fairport, NY) and Shannon Montgomery (West Islip, NY) each scoring their first collegiate goals.

ALYSON NOWELL NAMED NEWLA ROOKIE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Mar. 31, 2003) — Western New England College freshman Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA) was honored Monday as the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Rookie-of-the-Week.

Nowell is off to a fast start scoring at least one goal in her first six games. She had three goals and one assist in her collegiate debut against Montclair State University (a 12-6 win) and added three goals and an assist in a victory over Smith College.

A marketing communications major, Nowell is second on the team in scoring with 15 points (11 goals, 4 assists).

Saturday, Mar. 29, 2003
Bridgewater State 11, WNEC 8

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Seniors Paul Habel and Laura Swart each scored three goals to lead visiting Bridgewater State College to an 11-8 upset victory over Western New England College in a New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance contest.

WNEC led 6-4 early in the second half before Bridgewater State scored six unanswered goals (including three by Habel) over a 13-minute stretch.

Senior Brenna Plutino (Pitman, NJ) led the Golden Bears (3-3) with four goals while freshman Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA) had a goal and assist.

Last year WNEC defeated Bridgewater State twice, including a 15-6 decision in the NEWLA Tournament championship game.

Thursday, Mar. 27, 2003
WNEC 13, Worcester State 0

WORCESTER, Mass. — Junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) had three goals and three assists to lead visiting Western New England College to a 13-0 shutout victory over Worcester State College in its New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) opener.

Junior Whitney Boucher (Tyngsboro, MA) also had three goals as 10 players scored points for the Golden Bears (3-2).

Sophomore Kristin Pimental (Tiverton, RI) chipped-in with two goals and an assist while freshman Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA) had two goals.

Tuesday, Mar. 25, 2003
Springfield 9, WNEC 7

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Springfield College jumped to a 5-2 half-time lead and held on for a 9-7 victory over visiting Western New England College in a rematch of last year's NCAA Division III Tournament first-round opponents.

Junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) led the Golden Bears with four goals and an assist, and passed the 100-point mark in career scoring. She now has 103 points (69 goals, 34 assists) that ranks third on the school's all-time scoring list.

Senior Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) contributed two goals.

WNEC (2-2) held Springfield scoreless for the final 14:24 and Pizzingrilli scored two goals with less than four minutes remaining for the final result.

Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2003
WNEC 17, Smith 3

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Senior Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY) had four goals and one assist, and junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) added three goals and four assists, as Western New England College defeated Smith College, 17-3, in a non-conference game played at Springfield College's Benedum Field.

Ten players scored points for the Golden Bears (2-1) who led 11-0 at half-time.

Freshman Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA) contributed three goals and one assist. Senior Brenna Plutino (Pitman, NJ) chipped in with two goals and two assists while junior Whitney Boucher (Tyngsboro, MA) and freshman Kate Morin (Pt. Lookout, NY) each had two goals.

SHANNON PIZZINGRILLI SELECTED WNEC FEMALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Mar. 18, 2003) — Junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) was honored Tuesday as the Western New England College Female Athlete-of-the-Week.

Pizzingrilli, a center, had nine points (six goals, three assists) as the Golden Bears split a pair of games at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida during spring break.

Pizzingrilli had three goals and two assists in a 12-6 win over Montclair State University in the season opener and added four goals with an assist in a 6-5 loss against Stevens Institute of Technology. She is a finance major.

Wednesday, Mar. 12, 2003
Stevens Institute of Technology 6, WNEC 5

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) scored four goals and had one assist, but it wasn't enough as Western New England College dropped a 6-5 decision against Stevens Institute of Technology at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex.

Stevens led 5-2 at halftime and held off WNEC in the second half.

Freshman Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA) had a goal and assist for the Golden Bears while senior Andrea Marangoudakis (Springfield, MA) contributed an assist.

Monday, Mar. 10, 2003
WNEC 12, Montclair State 6

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Senior Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY) scored three goals and had two assists, and freshman Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA) scored three goals and had one assist in her collegiate debut, to lead Western New England College to a 12-6 victory over Montclair State College in the season opener for both teams at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Junior Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) contributed two goals and two assists. Senior Sarah Lerz (Wolcott, CT) added two goals while senior Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) and junior Whitney Boucher (Tyngsboro, MA) each scored once. WNEC led 7-3 at half-time.

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE LOOKS TO DEFEND NEWLA CHAMPIONSHIP

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Feb. 28, 2003) — With its top three scorers returning, Western New England College again should have one of the top teams in the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) this spring.

WNEC posted a 16-2 record in 2002 for the best mark in its brief five-year history. The Golden Bears also captured their first NEWLA Tournament title and made its inaugural appearance in the NCAA Division III Championship. City rival Springfield College handed Western New England College its only losses after winning both the regular season and first-round national tournament playoff contests.

Although all-time leading scorer Joyce Neilson (155 points) graduated, Coach Aimee Klepacki has several experienced players led by NEWLA Co-Offensive Player-of-the-Year Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) who led the squad with a school record 82 points (56 goals, 26 assists) a year ago. A senior finance major, Pizzingrilli also was the NEWLA Scholar-Athlete-of-the-Year.

Senior Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY) scored 69 points (51 goals, 18 assists) last season in earning All-NEWLA recognition. She is the program's second all-time leading scorer with 134 points (104 goals, 30 assists).

WNEC has three reliable veterans in seniors Brenna Plutino (Pitman, NJ) who had 47 points (34 goals, 13 assists), Sarah Lerz (Wolcott, CT) who compiled 36 points (21 goals, 15 assists), and Stephanie Dorcas (Port Jervis, NY) who tallied 31 points (14 goals, 17 assists).

Another player to watch is senior defender and All-NEWLA selection Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) who also served as a captain of both the school's basketball and cross-country teams.

Coach Klepacki's biggest task is finding a replacement for All-NEWLA goalie Jen Mikulec who posted a 6.46 goals-against-average last year. Mikulec is now a graduate assistant coach with the Golden Bears.

Heading the list of 11 freshmen challenging for playing time are Lindsey Burns (Fairport, NY) and Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA).

Pfister, Lerz, and senior Anna Adair (Castleton, NY) will serve as team captains.

"We have top players at each position, so we're looking forward to another successful season," says Klepacki whose husband John Klepacki is the men's lacrosse coach at Western New England College.

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE PLAYERS & TEAM RANKED HIGH IN FINAL STATISTICS

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (June 25, 2002) — Western New England College's Joyce Neilson (Salisbury, CT) led the nation with 134 ground balls, according to the final 2002 NCAA Division III Women's Lacrosse Statistics. Her average of 7.44 in 18 games was ranked second nationally.

Neilson, an attack wing, also was ranked 28th in caused turnovers (2.72).

Defensive wing Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) was second nationally with 74 caused turnovers that were ranked fourth (4.11) among Division III players.

Goalie Jennifer Mikulec (Farmington, CT) was fifth in goals-against-average (6.46) and 28th in save percentage (.573).

Center Shannon Pizzingrilli (Rochester, NY) was tied for 24th in ground balls (5.33).

Neilson and Mikulec both graduated in May. Carney will be a senior and Pizzingrilli a junior starting in August.

Western New England College was ranked nationally in six of seven team categories.

WNEC was second in scoring defense (5.72), second in ground balls (49.56), fourth in won-lost percentage (.889), 10th in scoring margin (8.11), 16th in caused turnovers (15.00), and 19th in scoring (13.83). The Golden Bears led the nation with 892 ground balls.

Western New England College posted a school record 16-2 record this past spring, captured its first New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Tournament title, and made its inaugural appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament.

SOPHOMORE SHANNON PIZZINGRILLI NAMED NEWLA CO-PLAYER-OF-THE-YEAR AND SCHOLAR-ATHLETE

Five players named All-Alliance; Aimee Klepacki again voted top coach

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (May 20, 2002) — Western New England College sophomore center Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) has been selected the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Co-Player-of-the-Year and NEWLA Scholar Athlete-of-the-Year.

Pizzingrilli also was named to the NEWLA All-Star Team along with senior attack wing Joyce Neilson (Salisbury, CT), senior goalie Jen Mikulec (Farmington, CT), junior defensive wing Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA), and junior third home player Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY).

Aimee Klepacki of Western New England College was the NEWLA Coach-of-the-Year for the second straight season.

Pizzingrilli set a single season school record with 82 points (56 goals, 26 assists) in her first year on the team. She led the Golden Bears in draw controls (35), was second in ground balls (96), and third in caused turnovers (40). Pizzingrilli also has a perfect 4.0 grade-point-average in finance.

Neilson was third on the squad in scoring with 47 points (31 goals, 16 assists). She was first in ground balls (134), second in caused turnovers (49), and fourth in draw controls (16). Neilson is the school's all-time leading scorer with 155 points (106 goals, 49 assists).

Mikulec posted a 6.46 goals-against-average and 57.3 save percentage in only her second season playing lacrosse.

Carney led the Golden Bears in caused turnovers (74) and was third in ground balls (86). She also contributed 11 points (7 goals, 4 assists) in her second year playing the sport.

Pfister was second on the team in scoring with 69 points (51 goals, 18 assists), second in draw controls (33), and fourth in ground balls (80). She is second on the school's all-time list with 134 points (104 goals, 30 assists).

Western New England College posted a 16-2 record this spring, which was the highest win total in the program's four-year history. The Golden Bears placed first in the NEWLA with a perfect 6-0 mark and captured their first NEWLA Tournament title. WNEC also participated in its first NCAA Division III Championship.

SPRINGFIELD DOWNS WNEC IN NCAA DIVISION III TOURNAMENT, 15-7

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (May 8, 2002) — Kim Dole, Lindsay Reiniger, and Erin Smith each scored three goals as host Springfield College posted a 15-7 victory over Western New England College in an opening round game of the 2002 NCAA Division III Tournament before 274 fans at Benedum Field.

Senior co-captain Joyce Neilson (Salisbury, CT) scored twice for the Golden Bears while juniors Sarah Lerz (Wolcott, CT), Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY), and Brenna Plutino (Pitman, NJ), sophomore Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY), and freshman Kristin Pimental (Tiverton, RI) each had one goal. Junior Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA), Lerz, and Pizzingrilli each had an assist. Senior co-captain Jen Mikulec (Farmington, CT) made 13 saves.

WNEC and Springfield were each playing in their first national tournament. The game was tied at 3-3 after 14 minutes before the Pride scored the last five goals of the half for an 8-3 advantage.

Western New England finished the best season in its brief four-year history with a 16-2 record with both losses coming against Springfield.

Western New England (16-2) 3-4— 7
Springfield (13-4) 8-7 — 15

Western New England — Goals —Joyce Neilson 2, Sarah Lerz 1, Christie Pfister 1, Kristen Pimental 1, Brenna Plutino 1, Shannon Pizzingrilli 1. Assists — Jamie Carney 1, Sarah Lerz 1, Shannon Pizzingrilli 1. Saves — Jen Mikulec 13.

Springfield — Goals — Kim Dole 3, Lindsay Reiniger 3, Erin Smith 3, Danica Ansardy 2, Libby Beinert 2, Spring Silverman 2. Assists — Lindsay Reiniger 2, Erin Smith 2, Danica Ansardy 1, Spring Silverman 1, Kacey Wunsch 1. Saves — Emily Boosahda 15.

Shots on Goal — WNEC 27, Springfield 30.

Scoring Summary — 1st Half — S, Lindsay Reiniger (unassisted), 27:21; W, Shannon Pizzingrilli (unassisted), 24:06; S, Spring Silverman (Erin Smith), 22;25; W, Christie Pfister (unassisted), 20:01; S, Danica Ansardy (unassisted), 16:50; W, Sarah Lerz (unassisted), 16:03; S, Kim Dole (unassisted), 14:12; S, Kim Dole (unassisted), 7:06; S, Erin Smith (Lindsay Reiniger), 6:07; S, Libby Beinert (Lindsay Reiniger), 1;25; S, Erin Smith (Kacey Wunsch), 0;55. 2nd Half - S, Erin Smith (Spring Silverman), 29:24; S, Kim Dole (unassisted), 24;55; W, Kristen Pimental (unassisted), 24;17; W, Brenna Plutino (Sarah Lerz), 22;30; S, Lindsay Reiniger (Danica Ansardy), 19:01; W, Joyce Neilson (Shannon Pizzingrilli), 17:58; S, Spring Silverman (unassisted), 11:23; S, Libby Beinert (Erin Smith), 8:07; W, Joyce Neilson (Jamie Carney), 7;14; S, Danica Ansardy (Melissa Gagnon), 4:36.

WNEC WINS FIRST NEWLA TOURNAMENT TITLE WITH 15-6 WIN OVER BRIDGEWATER STATE

Golden Bears advance to first NCAA Division III Tournament

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (May 5, 2002) — Senior co-captain Joyce Neilson (Salisbury, CT) and sophomore Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) each scored four goals as Western New England College captured its first New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance Tournament title with a 15-6 victory over visiting Bridgewater State College.

With the win, the Golden Bears advance to their inaugural appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Pairings and sites will be announced later Sunday night. The national tournament begins at campus sites on Wednesday (May 8).

Pizzingrilli added two assists and Neilson one as WNEC improved its record to 16-1 with a school record 12-game winning streak. Western New England, which led 8-2 at halftime, stretched its margin to 15-4 when junior Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY) scored her third goal of the game with 4:35 remaining in the contest.

WNEC's women's lacrosse program is only five years old. The Golden Bears are the school's third squad to qualify for the NCAA Division III Tournament this spring joining the men's lacrosse and softball teams.

Bridgewater State (10-6) 2-4 — 6
Western New England (16-1) 8-7 — 15

Bridgewater State — Goals — Laura Swart 3, Paula Habel 2, Katie Kenney 1. Assists — Paula Habel 2, Melanie Medeiros 1. Saves — Danielle Bean 16.

Western New England — Goals — Joyce Neilson 4, Shannon Pizzingrilli 4, Christie Pfister 3, Brenna Plutino 1, Sarah Lerz 1, Andrea Marangoudakis 1, Kristin Pimental 1. Assists — Shannon Pizzingrilli 2, Joyce Neilson 1. Saves — Jen Mikulec 4 (4 goals, 52 minutes), Danielle Smith 2 (2 goals, 8 minutes).

Scoring Summary — 1st Half — W, Brenna Plutino (Shannon Pizzingrilli), 28;50; W, Joyce Neilson (unassisted), 26;32; W, Shannon Pizzingrilli (unassisted), 24;58; B, Laura Swart (Melanie Medeiros), 14:51; W, Joyce Neilson (unassisted), 13:54; B, Paula Habel (unassisted), 13:01; W, Shannon Pizzingrilli (unassisted), 5:32; W, Shannon Pizzingrilli (unassisted), 3:19; W, Kristin Pimental (unassisted), 2:58; W, Sarah Lerz (Shannon Pizzingrilli), 1;46. 2nd Half - W, Christie Pfister (Joyce neilson), 26:04; W, Andrea Marangoudakis (unassisted), 22:45; B, Paula Habel (unassisted), 21;32; W, Shannon Pizzingrilli (unassisted), 20:23; W, Joyce Neilson (unassisted), 15:23; B, Laura Swart (Paul Habel), 12;34; W, Christie Pfister (unassisted), 10:43; W, Joyce Neilson (unassisted), 7:59; W, Christie Pfister (unassisted), 4;35; B, Laura Swart (Paula Habel), 1:34; B, Katie Kenney (unassisted), 0:39.

WNEC MOVES TO NEWLA TOURNAMENT FINAL WITH 19-2 WIN OVER CASTLETON STATE

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (May 3, 2002) — Senior co-captain Joyce Neilson (Salisbury, CT) and junior Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY) each scored their 100th career goals to lead Western New England College to a 19-2 victory over visiting Castleton State College in a semifinal game of the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance Tournament.

Neilson finished with one goal and one assist while Pfister had four goals (to reach 100) and one assist for the Golden Bears (15-1) who extended their winning streak to 11 games.

Sophomore Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) contributed three goals and three assists while junior Brenna Plutino (Pitman, NJ) had three goals. Junior Stephanie Dorcas (Port Jervis, NY) chipped in with two goals and three assists. Freshman Kristen Pimental (Tiverton, RI) also scored twice.

WNEC will meet either Bridgewater State College at 1 p.m. Sunday in the NEWLA championship game.

Castleton State (3-9) 0-2 — 2
Western New England (15-1) 12-7 — 19

Castleton State — Goals — Emily Lucas 1, Tara Trepanier 1. Assists — None. Saves — Tasha Gilman 20.

Western New England — Goals — Christie Pfister 4, Shannon Pizzingrilli 3, Brenna Plutino 3, Stephanie Dorcas 2, Kristin Pimental 2, Tina Amarante 1, Jamie Carney 1, Sarah Lerz 1, Andrea Marangoudakis 1, Joyce Neilson 1. Assists — Stephanie Dorcas 3, Laura Elder 3, Shannon Pizzingrilli 3, Anna Adair 1, Tina Amarante 1, Jennifer Kuberiet 1, Andrea Marangoudakis 1, Joyce Neilson 1, Christie Pfister 1, Brenna Plutino 1 Saves — Jen Mikulec 1, Danielle Smith 4.

Scoring Summary — 1st Half - W, Christie Pfister (Joyce Neilson), 28:10; W, Christie Pfister (Shannon Pizzingrilli), 27:02; W, Andrea Marangoudakis (unassisted), 22;14; W, Brenna Plutino (Stephanie Dorcas), 20;47; W, Shannon Pizzingrilli (unassisted), 19:47; W, Christie Pfister (Brenna Plutino), 15:01; W, Christie Pfister (Shannon Pizzingrilli), 13;45; W, Jamie Carney (Shannon Pizzingrilli), 12;54; W, Joyce Neilson (unassisted), 8:03; W, Tina Amarante (Laura Elder), 7:08; W, Shannon Pizzingrilli (Tina Amarante), 5;20; W, Kristin Pimental (Laura Elder), 3;15. 2nd Half - C, Tara Trepanier (unassisted), 29;13; W, Brenna Plutino (Christie Pfister), 28:21; W, Shannon Pizzingrilli (Andrea Marangoudakis), 27:16; W, Brenna Plutino (Stephanie Dorcas), 23:11; W, Stephanie Dorcas (Laura Elder), 21:09; W, Kristin Pimental (Stephanie Dorcas), 20:08; C, Emily Lucas (unassisted), 14;47; W, Sarah Lerz (Anna Adair), 8:18; W, Stephanie Dorcas (Jennifer Kuberiet), 6;50.

WNEC AMONG NATIONAL LEADERS IN LATEST STATISTICS

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (May 1, 2002) — Western New England College is ranked in several categories, according to the latest NCAA Division III statistics.

Senior attack wing Joyce Neilson (Salisbury, CT) is third in ground balls (6.87) while junior defensive wing Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) is sixth in caused turnovers (3.67).

Senior goalie Jen Mikulec (Farmington, CT) is tied for fifth in goals-against-average (6.15) and 23rd in save percentage (59.0).

WNEC is third in scoring defense (5.33), third in ground balls (46.13 avg.), fourth in winning percentage (.933), ninth in scoring margin (8.54), and 18th in scoring (13.87).

SHANNON PIZZINGRILLI & KRISTIN PIMENTAL GAIN NEWLA AWARDS

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Apr. 30, 2002) — Western New England College sophomore center Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY — East Rochester High School) was selected the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Defensive Player-of-the-Week on April 29.

Pizzingrilli compiled 12 ground balls, six draw controls, and had two caused turnovers in a 2-0 week. She had seven ground balls in an 18-1 win over Worcester State College on April 22 and six ground balls and four draw controls in a 13-12 victory over Manhattanville College on April 24. Pizzingrilli leads the Golden Bears (14-1) in draw controls (26), is second in ground balls (76), and third in caused turnovers (30). She is second in the NEWLA in scoring with 68 points (48 goals, 20 assists).

Western New England College freshman Kristin Pimental (Tiverton, RI — Tiverton High School) was named the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Rookie-of-the-Week on April 29. Pimental, who plays the third home position, scored two goals in a 13-12 win over Manhattanville College on April 24, and added five ground balls and two draw controls in two contests. She is seventh on the team in scoring with 11 points (10 goals, 1 assist).

WNEC 13, Manhattanville 12 (Apr. 24)

JOYCE NEILSON AND SHANNON PIZZINGRILLI GAIN WEEKLY HONORS

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (April 23, 2002) — Western New England College senior Joyce Neilson (Salisbury, CT — Housatonic Valley Regional High School) was named the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Defensive Player-of-the-Week on Monday (April 22).

Neilson, an attack wing, compiled 25 ground balls (including 14 vs. Smith College) with eight caused turnovers and five draw controls. Neilson leads the Golden Bears in ground balls (77) and is fourth in scoring with 26 points (16 goals, 10 assists).

Sophomore Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY — East Rochester High School) was named NEWLA Rookie-of-the-Week on Monday (April 22). She also was honored as the Western New England College Female Athlete-of-the-Week on Tuesday (April 23).

Pizzingrilli, a center, compiled 25 points (18 goals, 7 assists) in a 4-0 week. She had a career-high seven goals in a 9-6 road win at Endicott College and added seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) vs. Elms College. She leads the conference in scoring with 61 points (42 goals, 19 assists).

WNEC 18, Worcester State 1 (Apr. 22)

WNEC 19, Salem State 1 (Apr. 20)

WNEC 9, Endicott 6 (Apr. 18)

WNEC 15, Smith 10 (Apr. 16)

WNEC 18, Elms 0 (Apr. 15)

Shannon Pizzingrilli named NEWLA Player-of-the-Week

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Apr. 16, 2002) — Western New England College sophomore center Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY — East Rochester High School) was named the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Player-of-the-Week on Monday (April 15).

Pizzingrilli scored 15 points (9 goals, 6 assists) in a 3-0 week, highlighted by a four-goal performance at Western Connecticut State University. She also had three goals and an assist against Castleton State College, and two goals and five assists vs. Lasell College.

WNEC 18, Lasell 3 (Apr. 13)

WNEC 13, Western Connecticut 7 (Apr. 11)

WNEC 22, Castleton State 1 (Apr. 9)

THREE PLAYERS GAIN WEEKLY NEWLA AWARDS

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (April 9, 2002) — Western New England College sophomore center Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY — East Rochester High School) was selected the NEew England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Rookie-of-the-Week on April 8. She scored three goals in a victory over Bridgewater State College and two goals in a loss vs. Springfield College. Pizzingrilli is second in the conference in scoring with 21 points (15 goals, 6 assists).

Western New England College junior defensive wing Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA — Nauset Regional High School) was selected the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Defensive Player-of-the-Week on April 8. Carney had five caused turnovers against both Bridgewater State College and Springfield College. She leads the Golden Bears with 35 ground balls and 25 caused turnovers in six games.

Western New England College junior forward Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY — Columbia High School) was selected the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Player-of-the-Week on April 1 after recording back-to-back four-goal, one-assist performance in victories over Mount Holyoke College and Keene State College. Pfister leads the conference in scoring with 24 points (20 goals, 4 assists).

WNEC 13, Bridgewater State 5 (Apr. 4)

BRENNA PLUTINO NAMED WNEC FEMALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (April 2, 2002) — Junior lacrosse standout Brenna Plutino (Pitman, NJ — Pitman High School) was honored Tuesday (April 2) as the Western New England College Female Athlete-of-the-Week.

A psychology major, Plutino had two goals and an assist in a 9-3 victory at Keene State College as the Golden Bears improved their record to 4-0. She also scored four goals in a 14-3 win over Mount Holyoke College. Her brother Sandrino Plutino was among the top freshmen on the WNEC wrestling team this past winter.

Springfield 10, WNEC 2 (Apr. 2)

WNEC 9, Keene State 3 (Mar. 28)

CHRISTIE PFISTER NAMED WNEC FEMALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Mar. 27, 2002) — Junior lacrosse standout Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY — Columbia High School) was honored Tuesday (March 26) as the Western New England College Female Athlete-of-the-Week.

Pfister scored four goals and had one assist from her attack position in a 14-3 victory over Mount Holyoke College on March 24 (which was her 21st birthday). She also scored a career-high five goals in an 11-10 win over Stevens Institute of Technology in the season opener. A marketing major,

Pfister is second on the team lead in scoring with 13 points (12 goals, 1 assist) in three games.

WNEC 14, Mount Holyoke 3 (Mar. 24)

WNEC 14, Curry 8 (Mar. 13)

WNEC 11, Stevens Institute of Technology 10 (Mar. 11)

LAURA STURGIS AND JEN MIKULEC NAMED
TO IWLCA ACADEMIC TEAM

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College student-athletes Laura Sturgis (Westborough, MA — Westborough High School) and Jen Mikulec (Farmington, CT — Farmington High School) have been named to the 2001 Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Academic Team.

Sturgis received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in management summa cum laude in May after compiling a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade-point-average. She was selected the Western New England College "Graduate-of-the-Year," and was named both the WNEC Female Scholar Athlete-of-the-Year and the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Scholar Athlete-of-the-Year.

Sturgis also was voted to the Verizon Academic All-America Team. Sturgis, who didn't play lacrosse until she arrived at college, was a three-year letter winner and the team's fourth leading scorer with 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) this past season.

Mikulec, who will be a senior beginning in September, compiled a 3.48 grade-point-average in marketing communications/advertising. She played lacrosse for the first time this past spring and compiled an 8.74 goals-against-average in 14 games as the starting goalie. Mikulec also is the starting goalie on the WNEC field hockey team.

Last fall Mikulec placed third in the print category division of the Cleaner and Greener Environment advertising contest.

Western New England College's women's lacrosse team posted an 8-7 record under coach Aimee Klepacki and participated in the NEWLA Tournament.

TRI-CAPTAIN LAURA STURGIS NAMED TO VERIZON ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA TEAM

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College women's lacrosse tri-captain Laura Sturgis (Westborough, MA — Westborough High School) has received numerous awards during her brilliant collegiate career, but her latest honor may be the best one ever.

Sturgis was among 15 student-athletes named June 14 to the prestigious Verizon Academic All-America College Division Women's Spring At-Large First Team. She is the third person in school history (and first non-basketball player) to receive this national recognition. Sturgis was the only individual from a New England school selected to either the first or second teams.

"This is the best award I have received because it's a national honor," said Sturgis. "It"s a thrill to be recognized with so many other outstanding female student-athletes."

Sturgis received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in management summa cum laude last month after compiling a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade-point-average. She was selected the Western New England College "Graduate-of-the-Year," and was named both the Western New England College Female Scholar Athlete-of-the-Year and the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Scholar Athlete-of-the-Year.

With Sturgis helping to lead the way, Western New England College posted an 8-7 record this spring for the second straight winning season in the program's brief four-year history. The Golden Bears placed fourth in the NEWLA South Division with a 4-2 mark and participated in the conference playoffs.

Sturgis, who didn't play lacrosse until she arrived at college, was a three-year letterwinner and the team's fourth leading scorer with 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) this past season.

Sturgis has already started graduate school at Western New England College working towards her Master of Business Administration degree. She will serve as an assistant women's lacrosse coach next spring.

During her undergraduate career, Sturgis was the recipient of numerous school and department awards, and a member of several organizations and committees. She was the creator of Meals for Many last year, which was a student program that donated food to the homeless. Sturgis also participated in the Rays of Hope Walk the last two years. In 1998, she took part in a roller blade race to raise money for breast cancer research.

Former Western New England College basketball standouts Roma St. George (1981, 1982) of Chicopee and Gary Bourque (1989) of Torrington, Connecticut previously were selected to the Verizon Academic All-America Team.

Q&A with Laura Sturgis

Laura Sturgis, a tri-captain on the 2001 Western New England College women's lacrosse team, was named to the prestigious Verizon Academic All-America First Team on June 14, 2001. She is only the third person (and first non basketball player) in school history to earn a spot on this national honor squad. Laura also was selected the Western New England College Female and New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Scholar Athlete-of-the-Year, and was honored as the Western New England College "Graduate-of-the-Year" after compiling a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade-point-average in Management. The Westborough, Massachusetts native was fourth on the team in scoring with 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) this past season as the Golden Bears posted an 8-7 record while making the conference playoffs.

Q: How do you balance your time to play lacrosse, attend classes, study, serve in all your volunteer capacities, and maintain a 4.0 GPA?

A: I feel that a good life balance is important, so I work hard every day to spend time with friends, exercise, help others, and study. I know that my role here at the College is that of a student, but that word means much more than studying. I have found the time to do many things I want to do by not doing things that eat up a lot of time. I am not into watching television, playing video games, etc. Instead I would rather spend my time with friends in clubs or organizations on campus or spend a few hours practicing with the team. Also, I probably don't get as much sleep as I should and that always gives me a little extra time to catch up on some studying or to volunteer an extra hour.

Q: What do you like best about college athletics?

A: I enjoy the bonds that you make with teammates. It is great to be able to play sports with a group of female athletes who are all working together towards the same goal. There is nothing better than being able to put on a uniform, travel with the team, and represent the College. I enjoy the competitive aspect and especially being a part of a team that loves playing lacrosse.

Q: What do you like best about Western New England College?

A: I enjoy the friendly atmosphere here at Western New England College. Any person you pass you can say hi to and you will always get a friendly response back. The atmosphere is so supportive. The president of the College, my professors, friends, and the residents of my floor have come out to support me during many of my home games. There are not many colleges where you will see this happening on a regular basis.

Q: Who are some of the people that have had an impact on your college career?

A: My coach Aimee DeBoyace has been a positive role model for me on the athletic field. I did not begin playing lacrosse until my sophomore year and she helped me learn the sport and find a sport that I really enjoyed. Last year's team captains (Megan Delvecchio, Kristin Kitselman, Danielle Valente) were also very encouraging and would always cheer me on when I went into the game. They made the season a lot of fun and helped me to see what I had to do this year to be a good captain. One professor who had an impact was Professor Henry Bazan. He helped me become involved in the Management Association my freshman year and things kind of grew from there.

Q: Your parents have played a big role in your success, haven't they?

A: My parents have always been extremely supportive of me both in and out of lacrosse seasons. They attend my games, along with my academic and club related recognition ceremonies. They support me in whatever I choose to do. They have been a large reason why I have been so confident and successful in my four years at Western New England College.

Q: College students have been known to have questionable nutritional habits. What are your thoughts on this subject?

A: In season, it is very easy not to eat well since you are exercising so much and consistently traveling to games. While at school, I always try to drink plenty of water throughout the day. I don't drink coffee and drink little, if any, soda. By eating the proper foods I know that my body will benefit and my performance on the playing field will be enhanced.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I began taking MBA courses in my last undergraduate semester at Western New England College. This summer I will be taking four additional graduate classes at WNEC while working in the Office of Residence Life on a part-time basis. I will then take three courses in the fall and three classes next spring, and will graduate in May of 2002. Beginning in September, I will be serving as an assistant coach with the women's lacrosse team. This is something that I am really looking forward to and I know we will have another successful season.

Q: What is the secret behind your success?

A: I guess if there is one thing I discovered is that the successes I have had in club and organizations, athletics, and academics haven't come easily. I am not the smartest person, I am not the most athletic individual, and I am not the best leader in the clubs and organizations. All that I have accomplished has come with a lot of time, patience, commitment, and most of all hard work. The quote I put in the yearbook sums it up best. "The finish line is not given, it is earned."

Q: Is there any advice you have for college student athletes?

A: I would say enjoy your four years of college. This is the only time in your life when you can visit with your friends on a daily basis, play against some of the best athletes in the country, and become involved in campus clubs and activities. Take this time to learn from your mistakes and make decisions that will help you achieve your future goals.

AIMEE DEBOYACE SELECTED NEW ENGLAND WOMEN'S LACROSSE ALLIANCE (NEWLA) COACH-OF-THE-YEAR

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Aimee DeBoyace of Western New England College has been selected the 2001 New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Coach-of-the-Year.

With only two seniors on the team and several first-year players, DeBoyace guided the Golden Bears to an 8-7 record this past season that included a 4-2 mark for fourth place in the NEWLA South Division and a spot in the conference playoffs.

This was only the fourth year of varsity competition for Western New England in women's lacrosse. Last year the Golden Bears posted an 11-4 record in DeBoyace's rookie season as a head coach.

Four members of the Western New England squad received conference awards.

Sophomore right defensive wing Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA — Nauset Regional High School) was named to the NEWLA All-Star Team. Playing lacrosse for the first time, she contributed 13 points (8 goals, 5 assists). Carney also is a member of the Western New England women's basketball and cross country teams, and is the only three-sport athlete at the school.

Carney, junior right attack wing Joyce Neilson (Salisbury, CT — Housatonic Regional High School), and sophomore center Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY — Columbia High School) were selected to the NEWLA South Division All-Star Team.

Neilson, a team tri-captain, led the Golden Bears in scoring with a school record 45 points (28 goals, 17 assists). She is the school's all-time leading scorer with 108 points (75 goals, 33 assists). Pfister was second on the squad with 36 points (team high 32 goals, 4 assists).

Senior tri-captain Laura Sturgis (Westborough, MA — Westborough High School) was voted the NEWLA Scholar-Athlete-of-the-Year after compiling a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade-point-average in Management. She scored 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) from her forward position.

Sturgis also was named to the Verizon Academic District 1 College Division Women's Spring At-Large Team and was the recipient of the Western New England College "Graduate of the Year" Award.

2001 NEW ENGLAND WOMEN'S LACROSSE ALLIANCE (NEWLA) ALL-STAR TEAM

Defense — Jamie Carney
Scholar-Athlete-of-the-Year — Laura Sturgis
Coach-of-the-Year — Aimee DeBoyace

2001 NEWLA SOUTHERN DIVISION ALL-STAR TEAM

Attack — Joyce Neilson, Christie Pfister
Defense — Jamie Carney

2001 NEW ENGLAND WOMEN'S LACROSSE ALLIANCE (NEWLA) TOURNAMENT

Wednesday, May 2 - Quarterfinals - Southern Division
Bridgewater State 7, Western New England 6
Eastern Connecticut 10, UMass-Dartmouth 9

Wednesday, May 2 - Quarterfinals - Northern Division
Keene State 11, Southern Maine 8
Plymouth State (forfeit win) over Castleton State

Friday, May 4 - Semifinals
Bridgewater State 9, Eastern Connecticut 8 (2ot)
Plymouth State 21, Keene State 4

Sunday, May 6 - Championship game
Plymouth State 11, Bridgewater State 9

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE
FOURTH IN NEWLA SOUTHERN DIVISION

Final NEWLA Southern Division Standings

1. Bridgewater State (5-1, 10-9), 2. Eastern Connecticut (5-1, 12-7), 3. UMass-Dartmouth 4-2, 10-7), 4. Western New England (4-2, 8-7), 5. Western Connecticut (2-4, 6-7), 6. Elms (1-5, 4-9), 7. Rhode Island College (0-6, 0-8).

Final NEWLA Northern Division Standings

1. Plymouth State (5-0, 13-4), 2. Keene State (4-1, 9-6), 3. Southern Maine (3-2, 5-10), 4. Castleton State (2-3, 2-9), 5. Lasell (1-4, 2-9), 6. Salem State (0-5, 1-7).

SOPHOMORE CHRISTIE PFISTER NAMED
WNEC FEMALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Lacrosse standout Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY — Columbia High School) was honored Tuesday (Apr. 3) as the Western New England College Female Athlete-of-the-Week.

Pfister, a sophomore midfield player, tallied four goals and added a pair of assists in a 17-3 victory over Lasell College (Mass.) last Saturday (March 31) in a game played at Babson College. She also is second on the squad with 17 points (team-high 14 goals, 3 assists). Pfister is a computer engineering major at Western New England.

Western New England is 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the South Division of the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA). The Golden Bears host Castleton State College (Vt.) next Wednesday (April 11).

JUNIOR JEN MIKULEC SELECTED THE WNEC FEMALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Lacrosse goalie Jen Mikulec (Farmington, CT — Farmington High School) was honored Tuesday (Mar. 27) as the Western New England College Female Athlete-of-the-Week.

Mikulec, a junior, had 17 saves in a 10-3 victory over Keene State College last Sunday as the Golden Bears remained unbeaten with a 3-0 record. Mikulec is playing lacrosse for the first time this spring. She has an 80.6 save percentage and 3.44 goals-against-average.

A marketing communications/advertising major, Mikulec also is a member of the field hockey team and manager of the wrestling squad. She was a candidate for the Verrizon Academic All-America Team.

YOUNG WNEC SQUAD AIMS FOR SECOND STRAIGHT WINNING SEASON

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College women's lacrosse team will open its 2001 season against Curry College at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, at Disney's World Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

"We will have a young team this season," says third-year coach Aimee DeBoyace. "We lost five starting seniors from last year's ECAC team, including our top two scorers, but hopefully, we will be competitive in our conference."

Heading the list of returnees are the team tri-captains, senior attacker Laura Sturgis (Westborough, MA), junior defender Elena da Silva (Pawling, NY), and junior midfielder Joyce Neilson (Salisbury, CT).

Neilson was third on the team in scoring last year with 39 points (28 goals, 11 assists), and was selected to the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Southern Division All-Star Team.

Among the other key players for the Golden Bears are junior attacker Heidi Wiemokly (Amherst, MA), sophomore defensive player Chrissie Donio (Madison, NJ), and sophomore midfielders Christie Pfister (East Greenbush, NY) and Brenna Plutino (Pitman, NJ). Pfister was fourth on the team in scoring last season with 29 points (21 goals, 8 assists) while Wiemokly contributed 18 points (15 goals, 3 assists). Plutino was a reserve a year ago, but is expected to make a valuable contribution this spring. Donio emerged as a top defensive player.

Western New England also has four promising sophomores, attack player Sarah Lerz (Wolcott, CT), defender Anna Adair (East Greenbush, NY), and midfielders Andrea Marangoudakis (Springfield, MA) and Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA).

Carney is playing lacrosse for the first time. She also is among the top members of the Western New England basketball and cross country teams, earning Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) All-Star recognition in both sports.

The goalie position is open with senior Monica Viegas (New Bedford, MA) and Jen Mikulec (Farmington, CT) challenging for the starting assignment.

Western New England will play an away game against Elms College at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 24, before meeting Keene State College at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 25, at Springfield College's Benedum Field.

Items of Interest: This is only the fourth varsity season for the Golden Bears who were 0-2 in their inaugural year in 1998, 5-8 in 1999, and 11-6 in 2000... DeBoyace also is the field hockey coach at Western New England... There are 11 multi-sport student-athletes on the Golden Bears squad. Besides Carney, Marangoudakis is a member of the soccer team while Neilson plays on the basketball squad. Mikulec, Viegas, Donio, junior defender Elena da Silva (Pawling, NY), Plutino, and freshman midfielder Whitney Boucher (Tyngsboro, MA) also are members of the field hockey team. Lerz plays on the volleyball team while junior attack player Meaghan Phair (Pittsfield, MA) is a member of the swimming squad.

GOLDEN BEARS REACH NEW HEIGHTS IN 2000

In just the third year of the program's existence, the Western New England College women's lacrosse team exceeded expectations in 2000 amassing 11 wins, qualifying for the NEWLA playoffs, and topping it all off by being selected for the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Tournament.

The Golden Bears were the seventh seed and faced second-seeded Tufts University. Despite coming out on the short end of the score, WNEC showed it will be a force in the New England lacrosse scene for years to come.

Senior MEGAN DEL VECCHIO (Woodbridge, CT) lead the team in scoring with 31 goals and 11 assists. Senior DANIELLE VALENTE (West Haven, CT) was next with 38 goals and three assists, and sophomore JOYCE NEILSON (Salisbury, CT) had 28 goals and 11 assists.Neilson was named to the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) All-Southern Division All-Star Team at the conclusion of the season.

The catalyst for the team down the stretch and in the NEWLA playoffs was freshman CHRISTIE PFISTER (E. Greenbush, NY). Christie had an incredible showing in WNEC's 16-10 win over Salve Regina in the first round of the NEWLA playoffs, scoring five goals and adding three assists. Junior goalie KATHLEEN REED (Cambridge, NY) was one of the top goalies in NEWLA all year, and was ranked fourth nationally. She is allowed 8.5 goals per game and had an impressive .622 save percentage.

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