By By Chris Vaccaro

WOMEN’S LAX PLAYERS

HONORED

Senior defender Bridget Eder was named Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) first team All-American. Eder became the Pride’s first All-American selection since Stephanie Clarke in 1997. While leading the Pride (14-4) to a Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) regular season title, Eder tallied 58 groundballs and 47 caused turnovers. Her trophy case grew as she was named CAA Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-CAA, and also earned all-regional first team honors. She was also named Inside Lacrosse Magazine Defender of the Year.

Junior midfielder Becky Thorn was named an IWLCA third team All-American after leading the Pride in points (44), and goals (39). She led the team with 50 draw controls, had 37 groundballs, and 20 caused turnovers. Her ability to perform under pressure was noticeable with a conference leading four game-winning goals.

Eder, senior midfielder Tara Buecker and senior middie Caitlin Connolly were selected for this year’s Division I North/South Senior All-Star Game. Connolly was second on the Pride with 46 groundballs, while Buecker was second on the team with three game-winning tallies.

PRIDE ATHLETIC BANQUET

At this year’s University athletic banquet, Emma Kilduff of the women’s soccer team won the Dr. Sylvia J. Giallombardo Award, given to the most outstanding female athlete both in the classroom and on the playing field. The Dr. James M. Shuart Award, given to a male of similar characteristics, was awarded to Nikola Djordjevic of the men’s tennis team.

The most outstanding senior female athlete, Eder, won the Dr. Nathalie J. Smith award, while the Howard “Howdy” Myers Award for male athlete of the year was presented to both Jon Masa of wrestling and Loren Stokes of men’s basketball. Masa was the CAA Wrestler of the Year, and Stokes was one of only three players in the country to rank in the top 10 of his conference in scoring, rebounds, assists and steals.

RECRUITING CLASS

While many recruits from across the nation will play for the Pride’s athletic program next year, a majority come from the tri-state area. Long Island will be well represented with incoming freshman athletes.

Rob DiFalco from Kellenberg and Joseph Akabalu from Brentwood will play baseball for the Pride. The football team will have Michael Tice from Holy Trinity, while wrestling adds Alton Lucas of West Babylon. Alysse Ruszowski from Sachem will play lacrosse along with Anthony Muscarella from Wantagh. Casey Fee from Long Beach will play softball.