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