May 11, 2006

EDISON, NJ - Marist senior infielder Chrystine McHugh (Port Ewen, N.Y.) has been named the 2006 MAAC Softball Player of the Year and highlights the 2006 All-MAAC Softball Team chosen by the league's nine head coaches.

Marist head coach Melissa Tucci was selected as the 2006 Anaconda Sports MAAC Coach of the Year. Tucci, in her fifth year at the helm of the Red Foxes, guided Marist to a 30-11 record this season, including a 12-4 mark in the MAAC.

McHugh is currently third in the league with her .412 batting average, while contributing a conference-best .817 on-base slugging percentage. She has tallied 54 hits, 43 runs scored and 27 RBI in 41 games for the Red Foxes this season, who ended the regular season at 30-11 overall and 12-4 in MAAC play. McHugh is also tied for first in Marist's single season records with 15 home runs.

Teammate Megan Rigos (Pittsburgh, Pa.) was named the 2006 MAAC Pitcher of the Year. Rigos, a sophomore, posted a league-best 0.73 ERA and a 19-5 record on the mound. She has tallied 154 strikeouts in 171.2 innings pitched for the Red and White.

McHugh and Rigos were also named to the All-MAAC First Team, as was Melissa Giordano (Stamford, Conn.). Jasmery Polanco (Bay Shore, N.Y.), outfielder Jessica Green (Manassa, Va.) and Bridget Hurlman (Yonkers, N.Y.) were named to the All-MAAC Second Team.

Player of the Year
Chrystine McHugh, Marist

Pitcher of the Year
Megan Rigos, Marist

Rookie of the Year
Jennifer Yee, Niagara

Anaconda Sports Coach of the Year
Melissa Tucci, Marist