2011 – 2012 Year in Review
• Among the 14 team sports the NE-10 sponsors, 11 different schools claimed at least a share of a regular season title during the 2011-12 academic year. Franklin Pierce led the way with three regular-season titles in men’s soccer, men’s basketball and baseball. • 13 different member institutions
won NE-10 Championships in the 23 sponsored sports, led by Southern Connecticut, which swept the swimming and diving championships and also saw its men’s track & field program win both the indoor and outdoor titles. UMass Lowell and Stonehill both won three NE-10 championships while three other schools won a pair of titles.
•
2011-12 Northeast-10 Champions
MEN’S GOLF – Bentley MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY – Stonehill WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY – Stonehill FIELD HOCKEY – UMass Lowell WOMEN’S SOCCER – Saint Rose MEN’S SOCCER – Franklin Pierce VOLLEYBALL – Adelphi FOOTBALL – New Haven (reg. season) ICE HOCKEY – Saint Anselm MEN’S BASKETBALL – Stonehill WOMEN’S BASKETBALL – Bentley WOMEN’S TENNIS – So. New Hampshire MEN’S TENNIS – Merrimack MEN’S LACROSSE – Le Moyne WOMEN’S LACROSSE – Adelphi SOFTBALL – Assumption BASEBALL – Le Moyne MEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING Southern Connecticut WOMEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING Southern Connecticut MEN’S INDOOR TRACK & FIELD Southern Connecticut WOMEN’S INDOOR TRACK & FIELD UMass Lowell MEN’S OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD Southern Connecticut WOMEN’S OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD UMass Lowell
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
Sport Excellence Awards Honoring Top Scholar-Athlete in Each Sport Baseball Timothy Flight, Southern New Hampshire Me n’s Basketball Kevin Donahue, Assumption Wome n’s Basketball Lauren Battista, Bentley Me n’s C ross Country Stephen Polito, Stonehill Wome n’s Cross Country Maura Ferrarini, Stonehill Field Hoc key Tia Levins, Franklin Pierce Football Nick DiAntonio, Assumption Golf Matt Michel, Bentley Ice H ockey Dana Borges, Stonehill Me n’s Lacrosse Josh Klepfer, Le Moyne Wome n’s Lacrosse Erica Devito, Adelphi Me n’s Socce r Robbie Sabadoz, Merrimack Wome n’s Soccer Christina Cuffari, Saint Rose Softball Elyssa Boris, UMass Lowell Me n’s Swimming & Diving Drew Acquaviva, Le Moyne Wome n’s Swimming & Diving Amanda Burden, Southern Connecticut Me n’s Te nnis Petar Golijanin, Merrimack Wome n’s Te nnis Paige Frost, Stonehill Me n’s Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field Angus MacDonald, UMass Lowell Wome n’s Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field Amy Varsell, Bentley Volleyball Chelsey Alpough, Volleyball
- The Northeast-10 led all Division II Conferences with five institutions being recognized as recipients of the NCAA’s first-ever Division II Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence. Saint Michael’s and Stonehill ranked first and second, respectively, on the rankings – with Saint Michael’s achieving the highest percentage, graduating 99% of its student-athletes within six years of their original enrollment. - 2,918 student-athletes in the fall and 2,899 student-athletes in the spring, representing each of the conference’s 16 member institutions, achieved grade point averages of 3.0 or above during the 201112 school year and were named to the Commissioner’s Honor Roll. That number comprises 51% of all student-athletes in Northeast-10 sponsored sports. - Of the nearly 6,000 studentathletes that were named to the Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2011-12, 244 achieved a perfect grade point average of 4.0 during one of the two semesters.
- A total of 260 student-athletes during the 2011-12 academic year were Academic All-Conference selections. To be eligible for this distinction, a studentathlete must possess at least a 3.30 grade point average and have participated in at least half of the team’s competitions and be a significant contributor. Women’s soccer led the way with 21 honorees, with women’s lacrosse in second place with 20 Academic AllConference selections. - The Northeast-10 finished second in all of Division II with an Academic Success Rate (ASR) of 85 %, well beyond the national average for Division II of 71%. - 21 student-athletes from the Northeast10 were named CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-Americans (see below). Three student-athletes were selected as First Team Academic All-Americans: Franklin Pierce men’s soccer player Tom Reilly, UMass Lowell women’s soccer player Hannah Merullo, and Southern Connecticut softball player Brittany Bucko.
Sean Lowry Stonehill College Stonehill College senior Sean Lowry was recognized at the 2012 Men’s Basketball Championship as the winner of the NCAA’s Elite 89™ award. The award pays tribute to the student-athlete at every NCAA Championship with the highest overall grade point average of any of the competitors participating at the championship event. Lowry helped the Skyhawks advance to the National Semifinals for the first time since 2006 after defeating West Liberty State, 91-90, in a thrilling quarterfinal game. The Skyhawks fell to eventual national champion Western Washington in the National Semifinals, 71-66, and ended their year with a mark of 25-9.
2011-2012 CoSIDA / Capital One Academic All-Americans Tom Reilly, Franklin Pierce Hannah Merullo, UMass Lowell Brittany Bucko, Southern Connecticut Lauren Battista, Bentley Weston Zeiner, Bentley Vinny Papageorgiou, Franklin Pierce Elyssa Boris, UMass Lowell Robbie Sabadoz, Merrimack John Irwin, New Haven Scott Schultz, New Haven Jacquelyn Fede, Southern Connecticut Jordan Branco, Southern New Hampshire Elizabeth Belanger, Stonehill Victor Goncalves, Franklin Pierce Christina Cuffari, Saint Rose Sarah Kahrs, Saint Rose Paul Templeton, Southern Connecticut Kristin Whitley, Southern Connecticut Ryan Thompson, Franklin Pierce Tim Flight, Southern New Hampshire Kevin Spatkowski, Southern New Hampshire
M Soccer W Soccer Softball W Basketball M Soccer M Soccer Softball M Soccer Football Football W Soccer M Soccer W Soccer M Soccer W Soccer Volleyball M Soccer Softball Baseball Baseball Baseball
1st Team 1st Team 1st Team 2nd Team 2nd Team 2nd Team 2nd Team 2nd Team 2nd Team 2nd Team 2nd Team 2nd Team 2nd Team 3rd Team 3rd Team 3rd Team 3rd Team 3rd Team 3rd Team 3rd Team 3rd Team
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
Stonehill college NORTHEAST-10 men’s and women’s CHAMPIONS [Date]
- Stonehill College won the men’s and women’s team titles at the Northeast-10 Championships, which were held in Westfield, Mass. in October. - American International’s Glarius Rop and Jeptui Cherutich claimed individual titles. It was Rop’s third straight title and Cherutich’s second. - UMass Lowell’s men’s team captured its sixth straight East And the award goes to… Regional title, while Stonehill’s women’s team won their third MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR consecutive regional crown Glarius Rop – American International FEMALE ATHLETE OF THEY YEAR Jeptui Cherutich – American International MALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Brendan Adams – UMass Lowell FEMALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Tara Dooley - Bentley MEN’S/WOMEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR Karen Boen - Stonehill
- Stonehill College’s Karen Boen was named the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Division II East Region Women's Coach of the Year, while UMass Lowell’s Gary Gardner was named the East Region Men's Coach of the Year. - Bentley’s Tara Dooley was named the Northeast-10 Conference Female Rookie of the Year as she placed second at the NE-10 Championship meet. A feat impressive in its own right, but made all the more so by virtue of the fact it’s her first year competing in the sport. - The men’s teams from UMass Lowell and Stonehill and the women’s teams from Bentley and Stonehill were selected to participate in the NCAA Championship meet, held in Spokane, Wash. Also, representing the Northeast-10 were athletes from Adelphi and American International.
Glarius Rop American International College The junior from Kenya had another remarkable fall campaign for the Yellow Jackets, earning his third consecutive male athlete of the year honor in the process. This fall at the NE-10 Championships in Westfield, Mass., Rop claimed his third individual championship. He also captured the New England title for the third consecutive time, overcoming an upset stomach to claim the crown. At the NCAA Division II Championships, Rop finished 17th in the nation, earning AllAmerican honors for the third consecutive year. When all was said and done, it was just another record-breaking year for the Northeast-10 Male Athlete of the Year.
UMass Lowell’s Fitzsimmons is Saving Soles One Pair at a Time The junior was cleaning out his closet this past summer and didn’t want to just throw away his old pairs of running shoes –he figured there had to be something they could be used for, so he went online and found a site that recycled old shoes called soles4souls.org. He has since introduced UMass Lowell to the organization, setting up collection boxes in the gym and at other sites on campus. "It is something that is relatively easy and does a lot of good," Fitzsimmons explained. "These shoes are going to people in third world countries, in crisis relief situations, people who have never owned a pair of shoes in their lives."
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
UMASS LOWELL NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS NATIONAL FINALISTS [Date]
- UMass Lowell, Merrimack, and American International participated in the NCAA Championships, with the River Hawks advancing to the national title game for the fifth straight season. - 13 Northeast-10 student-athletes were named All-Americans, including seven on the First Team. - In the final NFHCA National Poll, the Northeast-10 had three schools ranked in the Top-10: Merrimack (3), UMass Lowell (t-5), and American International (8) all received national attention. And the award goes to… PLAYER OF THE YEAR April Daugherty – Merrimack ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Jennifer Foley – Stonehill GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR Kerri Bergquist – Merrimack DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Kayla Littig – UMass Lowell COACH OF THE YEAR Anne Rounce – Merrimack
- Merrimack had four student-athletes named to the 2011 National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-American Teams, including three on the First Team. UMass Lowell also had four selections, while American Int’l (2), Bentley (1), Franklin Pierce (1) and Stonehill (1) were represented as well. - Senior Kayla Littig of UMass Lowell was named the North Region Player of the Year. - Merrimack advanced to the Northeast-10 Championship game and then the national semifinals following a perfect 10-0 record in conference play.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell After compiling a perfect 24-0 record and winning the national championship last winter, UMass Lowell earned the opportunity to compete in the national title game in 2011. Although they fell 21 to West Chester, it marked the River Hawks’ fifth consecutive appearance in the national championship and sixth in seven years, further cementing UMass Lowell as one of the elite programs in the country.
Saint Anselm Field Hockey Raises Over $10,000 with “Corners for the Cure” Juniors Nicole Guimond and Megan Sullivan finalized an idea for a charitable effort after Guimond’s mother passed away last summer following a long battle with breast cancer. For each of the team's three home games during October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they would earn money for each penalty corner they were awarded. Each student-athlete on the team had to get a sponsor that would pay $20 for each corner and also chip in another $10 if the team scored off a corner. With 17 athletes on the team, penalty corners were worth $340 and corners that led to a goal were worth $510. The total amount of money raised would be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Heading into an Oct. 8 game against Adelphi – the first contest of "Corners for the Cure" – the Hawks had amassed 65 penalty corners through 11 games, or 5.91 corners per game. Average that out over three games and they were drawing just under 18 penalty corners. When you multiply that by $340, the team was looking at donating around $6,000. But the Hawks went on to total 29 corners over their next three games to push the fundraising to over $10,000 for breast cancer research and awareness. After all of the success on their first try, Guimond and Sullivan are hoping to make their initiative an annual occurrence for years to come. Guimond says plans are already in the works for next year and they hope to expand and join with the other teams they will be playing against to raise even more money.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
NEW HAVEN NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS National quarterfinalist
[Date]
- New Haven became just the second team in the history of the Northeast-10 Conference to advance to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Championship. - The Chargers were ranked No. 8 in the final AFCA Top-25 poll and appeared as high as fifth in the nation in 2011. They also topped all three East Region polls.
And the award goes to… MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Rashaad Slowley – Southern Connecticut OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Ryan Osiecki – New Haven DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Shawn Loiseau - Merrimack OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR David Stedman – New Haven DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR Tony Johnson – Merrimack ROOKIE OF T HE YEAR Kevin Arduino – American International COACH OF THE YEAR Pete Rossomando – New Haven
So. Connectic
ut’s Rashaad
Slowley
- Running back Rashaad Slowley of Southern Connecticut was named a finalist for the 2011 Harlon Hill Award, which is presented annually to the top player in Division II. The senior’s 29 total touchdowns was third most among schools at all three collegiate levels. - New Haven’s Ryan Osiecki was named the 2011 New England Football Writers Division II/III Gold Helmet Award winner after throwing for 36 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions. His 175.67 quarterback rating was second in the nation in Division II. - New Haven’s David Stedman was named a finalist for the 2011 Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award. - New Haven head coach Peter Rossomando was selected as one of five finalists for the 2011 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year award. - Merrimack’s Shawn Loiseau was selected to participate in the 87th annual East-West Shrine Game.
The University of New Haven New Haven went a perfect 8-0 in Northeast-10 Conference play to claim this year’s NE-10 championship title. The Chargers’ lone regular-season loss came on the road to FCS school William & Mary. As a result, the No. 8 Chargers received a first-round bye in the NCAA Division II Football Championship and then defeated Kutztown 44-37 to advance to the NCAA Quarterfinals. Their season would come to an end as they fell to Winston-Salem 27-7. The Chargers’ 11-2 campaign is arguably the most successful season for a Northeast-10 team in conference history.
Chargers Hold Third Annual Community Day
The University of New Haven Athletic Department held its third annual Community Day on October 15, in conjunction with the Chargers’ matchup against American International, where a variety of community based activities promoted a positive community environment. In the week leading up to the game, local businesses participated in the "Painting the Town Blue" initiative to promote the game in the community. Business owners at Flower Affair, Gold Works, Teddi and Archell's, Cappetta's Italian Imports and throughout downtown West Haven decorated their storefronts with Charger blue and gold in a contest, which will be judged by members of the New Haven football and cheerleading teams.
The Community Day featured pregame tailgating activities and the school’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) was on hand to continue their yearlong fundraising efforts for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Children from the community also enjoyed “Take a Kid to the Game Day,” where kids got into the contest for free, and pregame activities included face painting, inflatables, and a rock climbing wall sponsored by the New Haven ROTC program. The West Haven Emergency Assistance Taskforce (W.H.E.A.T.) collected canned food donations as well.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
FRANKLIN PIERCE UNIVERSITY NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS NATIONAL SEMIFINALISTS [Date]
- Franklin Pierce and Southern New Hampshire participated in the NCAA Championships and met in the East Regional final. - Four student-athletes were selected as All-Americans, with Franklin Pierce’s Tom Reilly and Diego Tabares both named first team honorees - Seven student-athletes were named Academic All-Americans, with Franklin Pierce’s Reilly once again earning first team honors.
And the award goes to… PLAYER OF THE YEAR Diego Tabares – Franklin Pierce ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Homero Morais – UMass Lowell GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR Vinny Papageorgiou – Franklin Pierce DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Tom Reilly – Franklin Pierce COACH OF THE YEAR Christian Figueroa – UMass Lowell
- In the final NSCAA National Poll, the Northeast-10 had two schools ranked in the top ten: Franklin Pierce (3) and Southern New Hampshire (7)
- Franklin Pierce had three studentathletes named to the Capital One Academic All District Team, while Southern Connecticut (2), Bentley (1), Merrimack (1), and Southern New Hampshire (1) all had representatives honored as well. - Franklin Pierce’s Diego Tabares was named the East Region Player of the Year. - Craig Stewart, the head coach at Franklin Pierce, was named NSCAA East Region Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year. - Franklin Pierce was honored with a Team Academic Award by the NSCAA. The Ravens posted a 3.12 GPA during the past year to earn the recognition. - Merrimack renamed its soccer field in honor of long time soccer coach Tony Martone.
Franklin Pierce University This past fall was a record-breaking one for Franklin Pierce as they advanced to the National Semifinals, where they would ultimately be defeated by Lynn University. In 2011, the Ravens claimed the Notheast-10 Regular Season and Conference Championship titles. Franklin Pierce set a program record with 21 wins (211-1). They also finished the regular season portion of their schedule 16-01, which marked the first time they had ever finished the regular season undefeated. During the fall, they were ranked as high as #2 nationally, and were the top-ranked team in the East Regional rankings in each of the three releases.
Branco Serves Community – One Ball at a Time Branco started a program called ‘Kicks for Kids’ to help those less fortunate than him. He and his father both worked at a summer soccer camp and called out to campers, family, and friends to donate old soccer balls they had lying around the house. He asked fans at So. New Hampshire to bring new or used balls to donate to the children of Manchester. Jordan's organization helped collect 107 soccer balls and 10 pairs of cleats. When all is said and done, he hopes to collect enough balls to properly outfit the Manchester organization and any additional balls collected will go to children in South Africa with the school's Alternative Spring Break program.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
THE COLLEGE OF SAINT ROSE NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS [Date]
-Saint Rose claimed the first team championship in the history of the college’s athletic department, defeating two-time defending champion Grand Valley State, 2-1, in the finals. - UMass Lowell, Merrimack, and Saint Rose were all selected and participated in the NCAA Championships. - Four players representing the Northeast-10 were selected as All-Americans. All four student-athletes chosen represented Saint Rose. - Saint Rose (1) and UMass Lowell (16) both finished the year ranked And the award goes to… nationally, while Merrimack was among the school’s receiving votes PLAYER OF THE YEAR Christina Cuffari – Saint Rose
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Brittany Russo – UMass Lowell GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR Jacquelyn Fede – Southern Connecticut DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Jessica Peacock - Merrimack COACH OF THE YEAR Mike Winn – Pace
- Fourteen student-athletes representing the Northeast-10 were Capital One Academic All District Selections. Saint Rose (4), Southern New Hampshire (3), UMass Lowell (2), Stonehill (2), Franklin Pierce (1), New Haven (1), and Southern Connecticut (1) all had players recognized. - Saint Rose’s Christina Cuffari was named an Academic All American for the second consecutive year, one of just three repeat honorees in the country. - En route to their national title, Saint Rose advanced to their fourth consecutive national semifinal appearance, making them the only school that can make that claim. - Saint Michael’s earned an NSCAA Team Academic Award for the fourth consecutive season. - While in Pensacola for the NCAA Final Four, Saint Rose did more then just win two soccer games, the Golden Knights also volunteered their time at a regional food bank.
The College of Saint Rose It was a special year in Albany, New York as The College of Saint Rose’s women’s soccer team claimed it’s first ever national title, knocking off two-time defending champion Grand Valley State in the championship game. After falling behind 1-0, Saint Rose got two secondhalf goals from Carmelina Puopolo to defeat the Lakers, 2-1. After reaching the national semifinals, each of the past three years, the Golden Knights reached new heights in 2011. Saint Rose finished their championship season with a mark 24-1-1, and outscored their opposition 90-13 during the season. Puopolo, who established a program record with 51 points, was named NSCAA National Plyaer of the Year and senior midfielder Christina Cuffari was named the East Region and Northeast10 Conference Player of the Year.
Passion for the Sport Drives Southern New Hampshire’s Morrison
On the soccer field this year, Kasey Morrison was like a well-trained illusionist for the Southern New Hampshire women's soccer team- a step ahead of the audience and seemingly always able to deliver a big finish. Off the field she’s had to over come tragedy as her dad was recently diagnosed with cancer. That's who I've always played for and I play for my dad every game. Every goal I scored this season was for him," she said. "Dad has been battling cancer and everything and I know how much he loves to watch me play." According to Kasey, Terry Morrison has gone through chemotherapy and is back at work at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
ADELPHI NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP – SECOND ROUND [Date]
- The Northeast-10 saw four of its schools – New Haven, Adelphi, Stonehill, and Pace – receive bids to the NCAA Tournament. - New Haven hosted the East Regional as the No. 1 seed and advanced to the regional title game against Bridgeport. - Six Northeast-10 institutions were selected in the final NCAA Division II East Region Poll in November.
And the award goes to… PLAYER OF THE YEAR Keidy Candelaria – New Haven ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Emily Iverson – Stonehill SETTER OF THE YEAR Chelsey Alpough – New Haven LIBERO OF THE YEAR Elyse Rowland – Pace COACH OF THE YEAR Lauren Amundson – Stonehill
New Haven’s K eidy Candelari a
- Adelphi claimed their first-ever Northeast-10 Championship in 2011. Senior libero Bianca Hernandez was named the championship’s Most Outstanding Player. - Stonehill set a program record for victories in a season (27) and hosted the Northeast-10 Championship for the first time. - New Haven finished the regular season with an undefeated conference record (15-0) for the fourth consecutive year since joining the Northeast-10 in 2008.
Adelphi University
Adelphi capped off a second-half surge in 2011 to claim their first-ever Northeast-10 Championship this fall. The Panthers, who actually began the year 2-3, did not drop a set en route to their NE-10 Championship. Following a loss at Stonehill in late October, Adelphi would go on to win ten consecutive matches, including a win against the aforementioned Skyhawks in the First Round of the NCAA Championship. It also marked the fifth consecutive year the Panthers have registered at least 20 wins in a season.
‘Life Is Good’ For Saint Anselm Volleyball On Sept. 24 and 25, the Saint Anselm College volleyball team volunteered at the Life Is Good Festival at Prowse Farm in Canton, Mass. The festival is a two-day celebration of music and optimism. It featured musical acts such as Ray Lamontagne and numerous activities, including bocce, an obstacle course and a tug-o-war. 100 percent of the profits generated at the festival benefit the Life Is Good playmakers. These playmakers are volunteers who consistently make great things happen, similar to an athlete who rises to the occasion when their team needs them the most. The playmakers provide innovative training and support to frontline child care professionals dedicated to helping children overcome life-threatening challenges, including violence, illness and extreme poverty. The primary goal of the festival was to promote healthy living through a positive lifestyle. To help carry out the message, the volleyball team monitored the compost and recycling stations throughout the farm, looking to avoid the addition of unnecessary trash that would have otherwise found its way into a landfill. All containers utilized at the event were produced and manufactured with materials that can be reintegrated back into the earth. The efforts of the Saint Anselm College volleyball team and countless other volunteers helped to raise over $1 million dollars. The funds will help children overcome life-threatening challenges.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
Stonehill College NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS National Semifinalist [Date]
- Stonehill defeated UMass Lowell in the Northeast-10 Championship game to claim their fourth conference title, and first since 1989. - Adelphi and Franklin Pierce shared regular season champion honors. - Adelphi, Franklin Pierce, UMass Lowell, and Stonehill all were chosen to participate in the NCAA Division II Championship. - The Northeast-10 had five players named to the All Region teams. Eric Jean-Guillaume and Robert Johnson were first team selections, while Ellis Cooper, Michael Holton, Jr., and Wayne Mack earned second team nods.
And the award goes to… PLAYER OF THE YEAR Eric Jean-Guillaume – Franklin Pierce ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Roy Mabrey – Saint Anselm DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Patrick Lee - Stonehill COACH OF THE YEAR David Chadbourne – Franklin Pierce
- Three men’s basketball players from the Northeast-10 were Academic All District team selections. Adelphi’s Bradley Simpson, Assumption’s Kevin Donahue, and Saint Rose’s Dominykas Milka all earned the recognition. - Stonehill’s Sean Lowry was named the winner of the NCAA’s prestigious Elite 89 Award, which is given to the studentathlete with the highest cumulative GPA at each championship event. - Stonehill’s appearance in the ‘Final Four’ marked the fifth time a representative from the Northeast-10 has advanced to the national semifinal round of the NCAA Championship. - Franklin Pierce hosted the East Regional championship at Assumption College in March. Four of the eight schools competing were representing the Northeast-10 Conference.
Stonehill College Stonehill advanced to the National Semifinals for the first time since 2006 after defeating West Liberty State, 9190, in a thrilling Elite Eight game. The Skyhawks fell to eventual national champion Western Washington in the National Semifinals, 71-66. Junior guard Brian Hamor was named the East Regional’s Most Outstanding Player following the team’s win over Bloomfield in the Regional Finals. Hamor was also a Northeast-10 Second Team selection, and was joined on the All-Conference team by Patrick Lee, who earned Third Team honors. Lee was also named the Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year. Stonehill finished the year with a mark of 25-9
- Stonehill head coach David McLaughlin became the school’s winningest coach in 2011-2012. American International’s Ikpah Never Skipped a Beat In the summer of 2009, American International College’s Sesoo Ikpah was told he had a heart condition called atrial arrhythmia and would never be able to play basketball again. Doctors were wrong. Ikpah was given an experimental defibrillator by Dr. Francis Marchlinski, which monitored his heart and allowed him to continue participating in athletic activities. The graduate student from Willaimston, N.J. appeared in each of the Yellow Jackets’ 26 games this past season, averaging 8.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, and also serving as American Int’l’s best defensive player. It goes without saying he was an obvious inspiration to his teammates, coaches, and opponents.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
BENTLEY UNIVERSITY NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS National Semifinalist [Date]
- Bentley defeated Southern Connecticut to claim its second straight and 16th Northeast-10 Championship in program history. - Bentley, Franklin Pierce, Pace, and Southern Connecticut were chosen to participate in the NCAA Division II Championship East Regional. - Sophomore Lauren Battista of Bentley was named the Daktronics East Region Player of the Year and was named to the WBCA All-America Team. Assumption’s Kelly Meredith, Franklin Pierce’s Jewel White, and Pace’s Brittany Shields all received All-Region recognition as well.
And the award goes to… PLAYER OF THE YEAR Lauren Battista – Bentley ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Bria Moore – New Haven DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Marielle Giroud – Franklin Pierce COACH OF THE YEAR Meghan Brown – Southern Connecticut
- Southern Connecticut head coach Meghan Brown was named the 2012 Russell Athletic/WBCA Division II East Region Coach of the Year and was a finalist for the national award. Her team went 25-6 this season, reached the NE-10 title game and the NCAA Tournament after going just 11-16 in 2010-11. - Bentley, which ranked No. 1 in the country for a three-week stretch this season, hosted the NCAA East Regional and claimed the regional championship for the second straight year and 12th time in 24 seasons. The Falcons also eclipsed the 30-win mark for the first time since 2003 and eclipsed 900 victories in the program’s history.
Bentley University Bentley advanced to the National Semifinals after knocking off Wayne State, 72-67, in the Elite Eight. The Falcons were down by 19 points with less than 14 minutes left before ending the game on a 37-13 run. Bentley’s run, however, came to an end in the Final Four with a 77-62 loss to Ashland. Sophomore Lauren Battista was named the Northeast-10 and Daktronics East Region Player of the Year, while also receiving Division II All-America honors. Junior Courtney Finn was a Northeast10 Second Team selection and Jacqui Brugliera was a Third Team pick.
Pace Women’s Basketball Team Receives Service Award at Tunnel to Towers Run The Pace women's basketball team was honored back in September at the Ninth Annual Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run. Head Coach Carrie Seymour accepted the Ed Klingele Memorial Award for outstanding volunteer service. The run is designed so participants can run or walk in the footsteps of Stephen Siller, a firefighter who lost his life on 9/11 after making a heroic journey to the towers. Pace basketball is happy to support the foundation whose mission is to "follow Stephen's footsteps through support of children who have lost a parent, firefighters, and military who have been seriously injured and sacrifice their quality of life in the line of duty." The team has been involved with the event since 2002, and has devoted the last Sunday of September to volunteering at the event, or in some cases participating in the run itself. Whether it is running, walking, or volunteering, the team gets together and heads down to the city to be a part of this great cause.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
Southern Connecticut state university
NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS
- Southern Connecticut won its eighth Northeast-10 Championship in the last nine years this past February in New Haven, Conn. - The Owls’ Matt Sorena was named the 2012 Northeast-10 Championship’s Men’s Swimmer of the Meet, while Mike Walsh of Bentley was named the Men’s Diver of the Meet.
And the award goes to… SWIMMER OF THE YEAR Vadim Yafayev – Saint Rose DIVER OF THE YEAR Michael Walsh – Bentley ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Dan Elliot – Southern Connecticut SWIMMING COACH OF THE YEAR Tim Quill – Southern Connecticut DIVING COACH OF THE YEAR Rick Danehy – Bentley
- Walsh also competed at the 2012 NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships in Texas. - The Bentley swim team was recognized last August by the CSCAA for its academic performance during the 2011 spring semester. - Merrimack announced the creation of a swimming & diving program, which will begin competing in the NE-10 in the 2013-14 academic year.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
Southern Connecticut state university
NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS
- Southern Connecticut won its ninth consecutive Northeast-10 Championship this past February in New Haven, Conn. - The Owls’ Amanda Thomas was named the 2012 Northeast-10 Championship’s Women’s Swimmer of the Meet, while teammate Amanda Burden was named the Women’s Diver of the Meet.
And the award goes to… SWIMMER OF THE YEAR Amanda Thomas – Southern Connecticut DIVER OF THE YEAR Amanda Burden – Southern Connecticut ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Nadine Edwards – Bentley SWIMMING COACH OF THE YEAR Tim Quill – Southern Connecticut DIVING COACH OF THE YEAR Jesse Cyr – Southern Connecticut
- Thomas was also named the NCAA Women’s Swimmer of the Year after winning national championships in both the 200meter and 400-meter individual medley events. - The Bentley swim team was recognized last August by the CSCAA for its academic performance during the 2011 spring semester. - Merrimack announced the creation of a swimming & diving program, which will begin competing in the NE-10 in the 2013-14 academic year.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
Southern Connecticut state university
NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS - Southern Connecticut won its 10th straight Northeast-10 Championship at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston, Mass. in February. - American International’s Anthony DeJean was named the Most Valuable Athlete of the championship meet. - 35 Northeast-10 student-athletes competed at the 2012 NCAA Indoor Championship meet in Mankato, Minn.
And the award goes to… MEN’S ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Evan White – UMass Lowell MEN’S ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Jeremy Antivo – American International MEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR John Wallin – Southern Connecticut
- American International’s Dominic Smith won the NCAA national championship in the 400 meter dash. - Southern Connecticut’s Nick Lebron also won the NCAA national title in the heptathlon.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
University of Massachusetts Lowell
NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS
- UMass Lowell claimed its second Northeast-10 Championship in three years at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston, Mass. in February. - UMass Lowell’s Ashley Zielinski was named the Most Valuable Athlete of the championship meet. - Eight Northeast-10 student-athletes participated at the 2012 NCAA Indoor Championship in Mankato, Minn.
And the award goes to… WOMEN’S ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Brittany Brown – Southern Connecticut WOMEN’S ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Michelle Grecni – Southern Connecticut WOMEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR Gary Gardner – UMass Lowell
- Southern Connecticut was ranked as high as No. 10 in the USTFCCCA national poll.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
Saint Anselm college NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS
[Date]
- Saint Anselm won their third consecutive Northeast-10 title, defeating Stonehill 4-1 in the Championship game. -
And the award goes to… PLAYER OF THE YEAR Taylor Larsen - Assumption ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Chris Tasiopoulos - Stonehill GOALTENDER OF THE YEAR Rob Kang – Saint Anselm DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Kevin Glanzman - Assumption COACH OF THE YEAR Lance Brady - Assumption
- Saint Anselm junior Tucker Mullin was named a finalist for the BNY Hockey Humanitarian Award for his work with the Thomas E. Smith Fight to Cure Paralysis Foundation, which he cofounded. - Stonehill advanced to the Northeast10 Championship game for the second time in school history. The Skyhawks also doubled their win total from last year. - Saint Anselm head coach Ed Seney won his 300th career game this past season.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
BENTLEY UNIVERSITY NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP PARTICIPANT [Date]
- Bentley claimed its first Northeast-10 Championship since 2007 at Cyprian Keyes in Boylston, Mass. in early October. - Freshman Louis Kelly of Adelphi posted a two-day score of 145 to claim medalist honors at the event.
And the award goes to… PLAYER/ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Louis Kelly – Adelphi COACH OF THE YEAR Mickey Herron – Bentley ALL-CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM Louis Kelly – Adelphi Kevin Daniels – American International Harry Kirkpatrick – Bentley Matt Michel – Bentley Richie Powers – Bentley Ian Landry – Franklin Pierce William Powers – Franklin Pierce Nicholas Maccario – Saint Anselm John Goodwin – Saint Michael’s Matt Horton – Saint Rose Ernie Lupi – Southern New Hampshire
-Bentley also claimed victory at the 77th annual New England Intercollegiate Golf Association Championships. It was the program’s first-ever NEIGA title. - Adelphi’s Louis Kelly was named the Northeast-10 Conference Player and Rookie of the Year in his first year of collegiate action. - UMass Lowell received 2011 AllAcademic Team Honors from the Golf Coaches Association of America in August.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
Le Moyne College NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS NCAA East Regional FINALIST [Date]
- Le Moyne claimed the Northeast-10 Championship in its first year in the conference after reclassifying from the Division I level. - Franklin Pierce, Le Moyne, Saint Anselm, and Southern New Hampshire all competed at the NCAA Division II Championship East Regional, which was hosted and won by So. New Hampshire. - NE-10 Player of the Year Zach Mathieu and NE-10 Pitcher of the Year Tim Flight received the same honors regionally from Daktronics and the NCBWA.
And the award goes to… PLAYER OF THE YEAR Zach Mathieu – Franklin Pierce PITCHER OF THE YEAR Tim Flight – Southern New Hampshire ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Matt Walsh – Franklin Pierce BOB BELLIZZI COACH OF THE YEAR Hank Manning – Pace
- Southern New Hampshire received its firstever NCAA championship bid this spring en route to the College World Series. The Penmen earned the top seed, and hosted the East Regional Championship. - Le Moyne, after competing as a Division I independent, won the 2012 Northeast-10 Championship before advancing to the East Regional championship game against So. New Hampshire. - Saint Anselm made its first-ever NCAA appearance in 2012 and also hosted the Northeast-10 Championship as the top seed. - Franklin Pierce, which fell to Le Moyne in the Northeast-10 title game, made its eighth straight NCAA appearance in 2012 and ninth in ten years overall.
Southern New Hampshire University Making its first-ever NCAA championship appearance, Southern New Hampshire won the 2012 NCAA East Regional Championship to advance to the Division II College World Series in Cary, N.C. The trip was another great moment in a banner campaign for the Penmen, who went just 7-32 as recently as the 2008 season. So. New Hampshire earned a 3-2 victory over Minnesota State-Mankato before dropping their next two games eliminating them from the championship. Tim Flight was named the East Region Pitcher of the Year and was a Tino Martinez Award Finalist, which is given annually to the top player in all of Division II.
Saint Rose Presents Check to American Heart Foundation and Boston Heart Walk In late March, just prior to the Northeast-10 Conference season-opener for both teams, Saint Rose head coach Chris Francis presented a check for $500 to the UMass Lowell coaching staff on behalf of Saint Rose and its baseball program for the American Heart Association and the Boston Heart Walk in memory of Adam Keenan. Adam, a former UMass Lowell player, passed away last summer while playing for the Seacoast Mavericks of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
Le Moyne College NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS National Semifinalist [Date]
- Le Moyne knocked off Merrimack 10-7 in the Northeast-10 Championship finals to earn their league-best tenth title. - Le Moyne hosted a National Semifinal game against Limestone, but was defeated 10-8.
And the award goes to… PLAYER OF THE YEAR Greg Melaugh - Merrimack ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Bryce Serriello – American International GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR Jeff White – Le Moyne DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Alex Cameron-Carter – Le Moyne COACH OF THE YEAR Rick Senatore – Franklin Pierce
- Le Moyne’s Josh Klepfer was selected as a CoSIDA / Capital One All District Academic All American. - For the second straight year, Merrimack participated in the AdoptaPlatoon effort to provide care packages to our men and women serving our country overseas. - Bentley and Merrimack participated in the New England Lacrosse Classic, which was held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots and the 2012 NCAA Championships.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
Adelphi University NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS NCAA Championship participant [Date]
- Adelphi claimed the Northeast-10 Championship for the third straight year with a 13-12 victory over Le Moyne. - Both Adelphi and Le Moyne received bids to compete in the 2012 NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Championship. - Six Northeast-10 student-athletes were named to the IWLCA First Team, with five more earning Second Team honors.
And the award goes to… PLAYER OF THE YEAR Brittany Brigandi – Le Moyne ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Marissa Daly – Saint Anselm DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Jackie Williams – Adelphi GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR Kelly Fucillo – Le Moyne COACH OF THE YEAR Jen Fallon – New Haven
- Adelphi was ranked as high as No. 1 in the country on its way to a fifth straight NCAA championship appearance before the Panthers fell to eventual national champion C.W. Post, 14-11, in the first round. - Le Moyne was also ranked No. 1 nationally during the 2012 season. The Dolphins received a first-round bye in the NCAA Tournament to advance to the national semifinals where it fell to C.W. Post. - In all, seven Northeast-10 teams were ranked nationally throughout the season in the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) poll, including Adelphi, Bentley, Le Moyne, Merrimack, New Haven, Saint Anselm, and Stonehill.
Le Moyne College Le Moyne College earned the top seed in the 2012 Northeast-10 Women’s Lacrosse Championship by virtue of winning the regular season conference title. The Dolphins then landed a first-round bye in the NCAA Tournament, although they would fall to eventual national champion C.W. Post in the National Semifinals. The Dolphins produced the Northeast-10 Player and Goalkeeper of the Year in Brittany Brigandi and Kelly Fucillo (pictured), respectively, and also went a perfect 12-0 in league play. Le Moyne also began the 2012 campaign by winning 11 straight and 16 of their first 17.
Adelphi Women’s Lacrosse Supports Lax-4-Life to Help Raise Suicide Awareness The Adelphi women's lacrosse team joined a national trend on April 18 by supporting Lax-4Life for the second straight year. The goal of Lax-4-Life is to spread awareness about the seriousness of suicide and disseminate information about prevention and awareness initiatives. T-shirts, bracelets, and 50/50 raffle tickets were sold during the game with all proceeds going to benefit Lax-4-Life. The proceeds from the ticket sales were also given to the nonprofit organization. LAX-4-LIFE Inc. is a national lacrosse campaign to provide support programs geared toward adolescent and young adult suicide prevention awareness.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
Assumption College NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS NCAA College World series participant
[Date]
- Assumption defeated Le Moyne twice on the final day of the Northeast-10 Championship to earn the title. - Southern Connecticut was the conference regular season champions, and advanced to the College Softball World Series after defeating Molloy in the Super Regionals. The Owls became the first team from the East Region since Le Moyne in 2004 to win a game at the World Series.
And the award goes to… PLAYER OF THE YEAR Brittany Bucko – Southern Connecticut ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Jess DiPilato - Assumption PITCHER OF THE YEAR Jennifer Lowrey - Assumption COACH OF THE YEAR Lisa Barbaro – Southern Connecticut
- Three student-athletes from the Northeast-10 were selected as Capital One Academic All-Americans. So. Connecticut’s Brittany Bucko was a first team selection, while UMass Lowell’s Elyssa Boris earned second team honors. Bucko’s teammate Kristin Whitley was a third team honoree. - Southern Connecticut was recognized at the Division II Spring Championship Festival in Louisville, Ky. for having the highest team GPA of any of the teams competing at the championship. - Ten student-athletes were tabbed AllRegion performers with So. Connecticut’s Brittany Bucko being named the East Region Player of the Year. - American Int’l’s Sarah Calgreen was one of 30 students nationally selected to participate in the U.S. Marshal training program.
Southern Connecticut State University It was a special year in New Haven for the Southern Connecticut State softball team. After dropping the first two games of the Northeast-10 Championship, the Owls rebounded to claim the East Regional title. The following week they defeated Molloy two games to one in the best of three East Super Regional Finals to earn a berth to the College Softball World Series. In their first game of the championships, they defeated St. Joseph’s (Ind.) to become the first time from the East Region in eight years to win a game at the World Series. So. Connecticut would see their season come to an end at the hands of eventual national champion Valdosta State. The finest season in program history concluded with a final mark of 43-13.
Adelphi Leads the Way in Community Service Projects Throughout the 2012 season, the Adelphi University softball team had a number of victories. But all those wins weren’t strictly during games. On the field, the Panthers finished the regular season 22-8 in NE-10 play, and were the second seed in the Northeast-10 Championship. Off the field, however, Adelphi participated in numerous community service projects and efforts as a team. The Panthers volunteered at local Special Olympics events, the Jennie Finch Clinic (pictured at left), and appeared at high schools throughout Long Island to work with students and teach them about the value sports play to the development of young men and women.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
Merrimack College NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP PARTICIPANT [Date]
- Merrimack claimed the Northeast-10 Team Championship for the first time in program history. - Bentley, Merrimack, and Southern New Hampshire all earned bids and competed in the Division II NCAA Championships.
And the award goes to… PLAYER OF THE YEAR Andreas Hammar – Adelphi ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Eric Ringstad - Stonehill COACH OF THE YEAR Sean Tully - Merrimack
- Merrimack finished the Northeast-10 portion of their schedule with a perfect 11-0 mark. - Bentley’s Alec Spycher was recognized as the ITA East Region Arthur Ashe Award Winner for Sportsmanship and Leadership. - Merrimack head coach Sean Tully was named the Conference’s Coach of the Year in his first season.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY NORTHEAST-10 CHAMPIONS NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP PARTICIPANT
[Date]
- Southern New Hampshire won its third consecutive Northeast-10 Championship. - Adelphi, Southern New Hampshire, and Stonehill all earned bids and competed in the NCAA Division II Championships.
And the award goes to… PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Alena Mukdaprakorn – Southern New Hampshire
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Diana Vamvakitis – Southern New Hampshire COACH OF THE YEAR Greg Coache – Southern New Hampshire
- Bentley’s Kara Murphy was recognized as the ITA National Arthur Ashe Award Winner for Sportsmanship and Leadership. - So. New Hampshire’s Alena Mukdaprakorn was named the ITA East Region ‘Player to Watch’ following her perfect 12-0 mark at #1 Singles in NE10 play. - So. New Hampshire and Stonehill both appeared in the NCAA Championship for the fourth consecutive time.
2011 – 2012 Year in Review
MEN’s Champions – Southern Connecticut State University Women’s ChampionsUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell
[Date]
And the award goes to… MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Connor Coleman – Southern Connecticut FEMALE ATHLETE OF THEY YEAR Amy Varsell - Bentley MALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Nick Lebron – Southern Connecticut FEMALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Briana Conyers – New Haven MEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR John Wallin – Southern Connecticut WOMEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR Gary Gardner – UMass Lowell
- UMass Lowell’s Women’s Team and Southern Connecticut’s Men’s Team claimed titles at the Northeast-10 Championships, which were held in New Haven, Conn. in May. - 19 Northeast-10 Conference records were set at this year’s championship meet.
- 29 student-athletes representing seven different member schools from the Northeast-10 qualified to compete at the National Championship meet in Pueblo, Colorado. - At the Division II National Championships, 14 student-athletes from the NE-10 earned All-American honors. - UMass Lowell’s Angus MacDonald earned All-American honors in the 1500-meter race. It marked the tenth time in his career he had been named an All-American. - In the final United States Track and Field Coaches Association Poll, Southern Connecticut was ranked 20th, while American International was ranked 22nd. UMass Lowell also appeared in the poll throughout the season.
Amy Varsell Bentley University The junior from Burlington, Connecticut had a remarkable outdoor season, en route to being named the 2011-2012 Northeast-10 Female Athlete of the Year. At the Northeast-10 Championship meet in May, Varsell set two new conference marks in winning the 800-meter (2:11.98) and 1500meter (4:33.97) runs. At the NCAA Division II Championship meet, held in Pueblo, Colorado, she earned All-American honors for the fourth time in her career with her fifth place finish in the 800 meters.
- Franklin Pierce will begin sponsoring men’s and women’s outdoor teams in 2012-2013.
Calenda Returns from Injury To Fly Back to the Top In December of 2010, American International’s Maurice Calenda was preparing for his senior season when everything changed in an instant. The talented field athlete tore the hamstring in his right leg during the Yellow Jackets first indoor meet of the season. After a long rehab process Calenda returned better then ever, and at the 2012 Northeast-10 Championship meet, he won individual titles in the long jump and triple jump, while helping American Int’l’s 4x100 relay team claim another title. At the NCAA National Championship meet, Calenda earned AllAmerica honors by finishing fifth in the long jump with a schoolrecord leap of 7.53 meters.