Feb. 21, 2002

EDISON, NJ - Marist College junior Bobbi Jo Gonnello (Clifton, NJ) has been selected to the 2002 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) softball preseason team as the utility player. Gonnello who will also see time at catcher, is the Red Foxes top returning hitter, batting .329 with seven home runs and 21 RBI's

Marist with 24 points in the poll was picked to finish eighth in the league. Saint Peter's was selected to win the league finishing with 78 points followed by Canisius (72) and Fairfield (64). Rider was selected fourth totaling 46 points placing them ahead of Niagara (36), Manhattan (34), and Siena (29). With 22 points Iona was picked to finish in ninth behind the Red Foxes.

The 2002 MAAC Softball Preseason Team and Coaches poll is voted on by the leagues head coaches.

Last season Marist compiled an 11-5 league record to finished second in the MAAC. The team also earned a berth in the conference tournament championship game against Saint Peter's.

The Red Foxes will began the 2002 season at the East Carolina tournament, which runs from Friday, March 8th-10th.

2002 MAAC SOFTBALL
PRESEASON COACHES POLL	

1.	Saint Peter's	78
2.	Canisius	72
3.	Fairfield	64
4.	Rider	        46
5.	Niagara	        36
6.	Manhattan	34
7.	Siena	        29
8.	Marist	        24
9.	Iona	        22


2002 MAAC SOFTBALL PRESEASON TEAM
Name	               Position	       School
Marsha Kelley	       Catcher	       Saint Peter's
Jill Iacona	       First Base      Canisius
Diana Calandra	       Second Base     Canisius
Karyn Kennedy	       Second Base     Fairfield
Brooke Bradbum	       Shortstop       Niagara
Aimee Barsalona	       Third Base      Saint Peter's
Amy Dodd	       Outfield	       Canisius
Ellen Sarosy	       Outfield	       Fairfield
Deanna Dovak	       Outfield	       Rider
Jodie Fiacco	    Designated Player  Siena
Bobbi Jo Gonnello    Utility	       Marist
Mellissa Santos	       Pitcher	       Fairfield
2002 Preseason Player of the Year: Deanna Dovak, Rider