Nov. 1, 2001

Orlando, FL - The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference named Marist junior goalkeeper Mellanie Nai (Suffield, Conn.) Goalkeeper of the Year. It was announced at the Championships Banquet today at the Wide World of Disney Sports Complex in Orlando, FL. The Red Foxes head coach Megan McGonagle received Coach of the Year honors, sharing the award with Siena head coach Steve Karbowski.

Nai who was named MAAC Player of the Week and ECAC Goalkeeper of the Week during the week of October 14th, ranked third in the NCAA with 8.5 saves per game and finished MAAC play with a 0.71 GAA and a .893 save percentage. McGonagle led the Red Foxes to an 8-1 record in conference play and their first ever MAAC regular season title.

Earning All-MAAC First Team honors for Marist were Nai, senior midfielder Kasey Sibrinsz (Manchester, Conn.), and junior defender Jenny Shanks (Sound Beach, NY). Sibrinsz totaled nine points on four goals and one assist, including game winning goals against Manhattan, at Rider, and at Fairfield. Shanks led the Red Foxes with four assists and contributed to the teams five shutouts this season. Senior defender Erin Norton (East Northport, NY) was selected All-MAAC Second Team for the fourth time in her career. She started all 17 games for Marist and her defensive awareness played a key role in the Red Foxes five shutouts.

Ten Marist players were named to the MAAC All-Academic team. Student-athletes must have a 3.2 grade point average and be a contributing member to the team to receive honors. Red Foxes named to the team this year were seniors Katie O'Connor (Commack, NY) and Sibrinsz. The juniors are Jenny Greenbaum (Northport, NY), Katie Wilt (Columbia, Conn.), Kelly Smith (Waldwick, NJ), Nai, and Shanks. Sophomores earning recognition were Laura Fil (Wappingers Falls, NY), Tara Savidge (New Hyde Park, NY), and Stacy Ryan (Kensington, Conn.).

The Red Foxes next game is at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 3rd against Manhattan in the semi-final round of the conference tournament.