Iona College Wins Second-Straight MAAC Men’s Basketball Championship
#3 Iona College 87 - #4 Siena College 86 - OT
2017 MAAC Men’s Basketball Championship Game
Times Union Center
Albany, NY
In an instant classic on ESPN2, the Iona Gaels defeated the Siena Saints, 87-86, in overtime to claim its second straight MAAC Men’s Basketball Championship.
Unanimous All-Rookie Team Selection E.J. Crawford hit a layup with 28 seconds left to give Iona an 85-83 lead. Nico Clareth, who was the hero for the Saints in the semifinals, shot a three with six seconds left that hit the rim. Championship MVP Jordan Washington grabbed the rebound, was fouled, and would hit two free-throws to make it 87-83. Marquis Wright drove down the court and hit a long three-pointer as time expired, making the final score 87-86. Wright had a game-high 29 points for Siena to go along with seven rebounds and four assists. Brett Bisping and Javion Ogunyemi each scored 16 points for the Saints.
With 13 seconds left in regulation, Brett Bisping hit two free throws to tie the game at 73. Rickey McGill’s shot at the buzzer was no good and this game needed five more minutes to be decided. The entire starting five for Iona scored in double-digits with Washington leading the way with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
The Gaels went on a 17-1 run with 5:15 left in the first half to take a ten-point lead over Siena. The Saints responded with an 11-0 run to take a 35-32 lead. Going into halftime, Siena led Iona 37-35.
This game was tied 16 times and featured five lead changes. These two teams kept trading baskets until the final buzzer.
Iona will represent the MAAC at the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship for the second-straight season. This was the fifth time in MAAC history the championship game has gone into overtime.
All-Championship Team:
Justin Robinson, Monmouth
Brett Bisping, Siena
Nico Clareth, Siena
Javion Ogunyemi, Siena
Marquis Wright, Siena
Championship MVP:
Jordan Washington, Iona
About the 2017 MAAC Men’s Basketball Championship:
For all information on the 2017 MAAC Basketball Championships, visit maacsports.com/basketball. Be sure to follow the conversation on all social media platforms by using #MAACHoops.
Quinnipiac Wins Its Second MAAC Women’s Basketball Championship In Program History
#1 Quinnipiac University – 81 | #2 Rider University – 73
2017 Women’s Basketball Championship
Times Union Center
Albany, NY
Quinnipiac University defeated Rider University, 81-73 to earn its second MAAC Women’s Basketball Championship in program history. The Bobcats receive the league’s automatic bid to the 2017 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship.
Quinnipiac’s Aryn McClure scored a career-high 28 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field and shot 12-of-14 from the free-throw line. The sophomore was named to the 2017 All-Championship Team.
Red-shirt senior guard Adily Martucci added 16 points, four rebounds, four steals, and three assists in 38 minutes of play. Martucci was named the 2017 MAAC Women’s Basketball Championship MVP. Over the course of the Championship the All-MAAC Second Team representative averaged 16.3 points per game.
All-MAAC Second Team selection, red-shirt sophomore forward Jen Fay registered a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds in 21 minutes of play. Fay shot 5-of-9 from the floor and 3-of-5 from behind the arc. The forward was named to the All-Championship Team, she averaged 9.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game over Quinnipiac’s three games in the Championship.
Junior guard Carly Fabbri was named to the All-MAAC Championship Team, which marked the fourth member from Quinnipiac to earn All-Championship honors. Fabbri scored six points in tonight’s Championship final.
The Bobcats shot 44.8 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from deep. Quinnipiac converted 25-of-31 (80.6%) from the free-throw line and went 19-of-22 (86.4%) from the line in the fourth quarter. The Bobcats outrebounded Rider 41-30 and had a total of 14 second chance points.
Rider’s Senior center Julia Duggan scored 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting from the field and recorded nine rebounds in 29 minutes. The All-MAAC Third Team Selection was named to the All-Championship Team. The senior scored 16 of her 23 points in the fourth quarter. In three games over the course of the Championship, Duggan averaged 19.0 points and 14.7 rebounds per game.
All-MAAC Second Team selection, junior guard Kamila Hoskova scored 16 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field and grabbed four rebounds. MAAC All-Rookie team member, Stella Johnson scored 14 points, recorded five rebounds, and three steals. 10 of Johnson’s 15 points came in the first half.
All-Championship Team:
Marina Lizarazu, Iona
Julia Duggan, Rider
Carly Fabbri, Quinnipiac
Jen Fay, Quinnipiac
Aryn McClure, Quinnipiac
Championship MVP:
Adily Martucci, Quinnipiac
About the 2017 MAAC Women’s Basketball Championship:
For all information on the 2017 MAAC Basketball Championships, visit maacsports.com/basketball. Be sure to follow the conversation on all social media platforms by using #MAACHoops.
Rider Women’s Basketball Receives Automatic Qualifier To 2017 Postseason WNIT
EDISON, NJ – Rider University Women’s Basketball team will continue its season in the 2017 Postseason WNIT. The Broncs have gone (24-8, 16-4 MAAC) in 2016-17 and were the runner-up in this year’s MAAC Women’s Basketball Championship, which concluded on Monday, March 6. Rider received the MAAC’s automatic bid and it will be the program’s first appearance in the Postseason WNIT.
Postseason WNIT Schedule:
Round 1: March 15-17
Round 2: March 18-21
Round 3: March 22-24
Quarterfinals: March 25-27
Semifinals: March 29-30
Championship: Saturday, April 1 (3 p.m. ET)
The Broncs have tallied 24 wins, the most the team has had since the 1981-82 season when they finished with 26. The 16 MAAC victories marked the most in program history. Rider advanced to the MAAC Championship game for the first time in program history as the No. 2 seed and were defeated by No. 1 seed Quinnipiac University, 81-73.
The Broncs defeated No. 7 Monmouth University in the quarterfinal round on Friday, March 3. Rider followed that win up with a 49-36 victory over No. 3 Fairfield University in the semifinals on Saturday, March 4.
Senior forward Julia Duggan was named to the 2017 MAAC All-Championship team for her efforts throughout the Tournament. Over the course of three games, the All-MAAC Third Team selection averaged 19.0 points and 14.7 rebounds per game. Duggan grabbed 20 rebounds in the semifinal victory over Fairfield, the 20-rebound performance marked the second-most rebounds ever recorded by a player in a MAAC Women’s Basketball Tournament game.
Head Coach Lynn Milligan was named The Rock MAAC Coach of the Year based on a unanimous vote by the league’s head coaches. Milligan is the first Rider Women’s Basketball head coach to be named Coach of the Year in the MAAC. The Rider alumna earned her 100th career victory at the university on January 19 against Saint Peter’s University.
Senior guard Robin Perkins was named the MAAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Year and was a unanimous selection to the All-MAAC First Team. Perkins is the first student-athlete in Rider’s history to earn the MAAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Year honor. Perkins was fourth in the league in scoring with 15.5 points per game and ranked fifth in three-point field goals made per game with 2.1. The senior was named MAAC Player of the Week twice this season.
About the Postseason WNIT:
The Women's National Invitation Tournament is an annual tournament involving 64 of the nation's top women's Division I basketball teams. All games, including the semifinals and championship, are hosted by participating schools. Every round is single elimination.
Basketball Hall of Fame to Host First International Event in Belfast, Northern Ireland this December
Springfield, MA – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the field of teams for the first-ever Basketball Hall of Fame Belfast Classic, a college basketball tournament held in conjunction with the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, Sport Changes Life, Rory McIlroy’s Foundation, the Rory Foundation, and The SSE Arena, Belfast. The two-day tournament held on December 1 and 2, will feature Holy Cross vs. Manhattan College and La Salle University vs. Towson University, followed by consolation and championship play on the second day.
As previously announced, the Basketball Hall of Fame has partnered with Sport Changes Life, a registered UK charity and US nonprofit organization that works in disadvantaged communities to help young people find a path to a brighter future with the help of international student-athletes. The Basketball Hall of Fame, in combination with the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, aims to support this cause by extending their reach across the Atlantic. Rory McIlroy and his Foundation will also join the cause. In addition, Aer Lingus will be the official airline carrier of the tournament.
“We are very excited to host our first-ever international event in Belfast,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “Teaming up with Sport Changes Life provides an excellent opportunity for these collegiate athletes to compete abroad while learning about another culture and making a positive impact in the lives of local youth.”
“This is an historic event for everyone involved and Sport Changes Life are delighted to be in partnership with the Basketball Hall of Fame and our friends at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference to bring this level of basketball to the island of Ireland. Our journey began in Sport Changes Life with our founding partners Ulster University and Chaka Travel when we worked together to help raise the aspirations of young people through our Victory Scholar and EHOOPS programs. We have grown and are now privileged to be working in partnership with the Rory Foundation. We are delighted to be building on these partnerships with others such as Aer Lingus, Velocity Worldwide and Belfast City Council as we work together in creating a brighter future for our young people. Through this prestigious event we are certain that we will inspire generations of young people in our quest to help change lives through sport.” Said Sport Changes Life CEO Gareth Maguire
In addition to the Basketball Hall of Fame Belfast Classic, a series of ongoing community relations events and initiatives will be held in the Belfast vicinity. Formal announcements surrounding specific events and ticket information will be released at a later date.
Quotes from Host Conference & Participating Head Coaches
“The MAAC values the relationships it has developed with the Basketball Hall of Fame and the Sports Changes Life Foundation. Both groups have missions that the MAAC membership strongly supports and has driven the league’s involvement with their activities here in America and in Northern Ireland. It was natural progression to bring the two groups together and develop a basketball tournament that would highlight the positive academic and athletic activities of the partners, and I want to thank Manhattan College for agreeing to be the first MAAC team to play in the Basketball Hall of Fame Belfast Classic.” – Rich, Ensor, MAAC Commissioner
"The Hall of Fame Belfast Classic will feature a strong field and the games will provide our program with a tremendous challenge next season. We are excited to participate in this event, and to provide our student-athletes with the educational experience of traveling abroad.” – Bill Carmody, Holy Cross
"It's an honor to be in the first NCAA basketball tournament in Northern Ireland. It will be a great trip for our players and fans. It's especially nice to take Cian Sullivan back home where his family and friends can see him. Competitively, we will have challenging neutral-court games against good teams. Hall of Fame Belfast Classic is a tremendous addition to our non-conference schedule." – Dr. John Giannini, La Salle University
"We are extremely excited about the opportunity to play in this inaugural event with the prestigious Basketball Hall of Fame. We look forward to proudly representing the college in Northern Ireland." – Steve Masiello, Manhattan College
“We are excited and honored to participate in such a great event. This is an incredible educational opportunity and a once in a lifetime experience. Basketball is just one component of our student-athletes’ experience here at Towson. To have the chance to experience the culture and learn about another country is something they will remember for a long time. It’s also great to play against some quality competition that will help us prepare for our conference schedule and assist us in reaching our team goals.” – Pat Skerry, Towson University
About The SSE Arena, Belfast:
The SSE Arena, Belfast is Northern Ireland’s premier entertainment venue. The venue opened in December 2000 and to date has welcomed over 9 million visitors. This world-class arena can stage a number of sporting events with an Olympic sized Ice pad and is home of the Stena Line Belfast Giants. Not only providing a multitude of sports, the Arena attracts international stars from the world of pop, rock, hip-hop and classical music and has welcomed stars such Beyoncé, Adele, U2, Rhianna, Lady Gaga, Michael Bublé, Rod Stewart, Black Sabbath and many more. The venue has hosted BBC Sports Personality of the Year and the MTV EMAs. The Arena has seating capacities from 1,500 for an intimate theatre format right up to full capacity format of 10,800. The SSE Arena, Belfast provides an outstanding location for first class corporate hospitality to businesses in Northern Ireland. The Arena has 24 corporate hospitality suites comprising of 20 x 12 seated suites and 4 x 28 seated suites.
About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference: With 11 institutions strongly bound by the sound principles of quality and integrity in academics and excellence in athletics, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) is in its 36th year of competition during the 2016-2017 academic year. Current conference members include: Canisius College, Fairfield University, Iona College, Manhattan College, Marist College, Monmouth University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Saint Peter's University, and Siena College.
About Sport Changes Life: The primary goal of the Sport Changes Life Foundation is to provide an opportunity for raising the aspiration of young people on both sides of the Atlantic so that they can live out their dreams and guide them as sport changes their lives. We are a sports foundation built on inspiration, hope and victory. SCL works in disadvantaged communities to help young people find a path to a brighter future with the help of our international student-athletes, the Victory Scholars. In February 2016, SCL formally partnered with Rory McIlroy charity the Rory Foundation, as both foundations strive together to help change the lives of young people on the island of Ireland and beyond.
About the Rory Foundation: The Rory Foundation was established in 2013 by golfer Rory McIlroy to help children live better lives, to raise funds and offer support to children’s charities with a special meaning and purpose for Rory. Beneficiaries of the Rory Foundation so far include the Cancer Fund for Children, Mencap NI and Sport Changes Life (all based in Northern Ireland), Barretstown, the Jack & Jill Foundation and LauraLynn Children’s Hospice. The Rory Foundation will host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for the third year in 2017.
About Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus is the national airline of Ireland, founded in 1936. It operates 62 aircraft on routes across Europe and North America carrying 12 million guests per annum. Aer Lingus’ mission is to be the leading value carrier operating on the North Atlantic. It is the only airline operating between the United States and Ireland, which has a 4-Star rating (as awarded by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organization). Aer Lingus is a member of International Airlines Group (IAG), one of the world's largest airline groups.
About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was invented, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level – professional, collegiate and high school, for both men and women on the global stage.
For more information:
Visit us online: www.hoophall.com
… on Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhof
… on Twitter/Instagram: @Hoophall #HoophallInternational
… or call 1-877-4-HOOPLA
Basketball Hall of Fame Media Contact:
Nicole Taylor // 480-861-2442 // nicole.taylor@positionsports.com
For more information on the Sport Changes Life Foundation:
Visit us online: www.sportchangeslife.com
… on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SportChangesLifeFoundation
… on Twitter @Sportchanges @Victoryscholars
… on Instagram: @Sportchangeslife
… or call 001 44 2890 454 964
Sport Changes Life Foundation Media Contact:
Marc Mulholland,
001 44 2890 454 964
m.mulholland@sportchangeslife.com
press@sportchangeslife.com
The SSE Arena, Belfast Media Contact:
Clara Killen
Digital Marketing & Development Manager
clara.killen@ssearenabelfast.com
001 028 9076 6032
Aer Lingus Media Contact:
Helen Maguire
516-622-4060
Helen.maguire@aerlingus.com
MAAC Announces 2016-17 Men’s Basketball Major Award Winners
ALBANY, NY – Monmouth University’s Justin Robinson was selected as the unanimous 2016-17 MAAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Year. Quinnipiac’s Mikey Dixon claims the Rookie of the Year Award while Saint Peter’s University’s Chazz Patterson was selected as the Defensive Player of the Year. The 6th Player of the Year is Austin Tilghman from Monmouth University.
Robinson is just the fourth player in the history of the conference to win this award in back-to-back seasons. He joins Iona’s Steve Burtt (1982-83, 83-84), La Salle’s Lionel Simmons (1987-88, 88-89, 89-90) and Manhattan’s Luis Flores (2002-03, 03-04).
Robinson was a unanimous selection to the All-MAAC First Team for the second year in a row. He ranked first in the conference with 19.9 points per game and third in the MAAC with 4.8 assists per game. Robinson made 2.7 three-pointers per game, which was third best in the MAAC. His 1.5 steals per game was fourth best in the MAAC. Robinson posted an 85.2 free-throw percentage, which was fifth-best in the conference from the charity stripe.
Robinson led the Hawks to its second straight MAAC Regular Season Championship. Monmouth finished the regular season on a 16-game win streak and posted an 18-2 MAAC and a 26-5 overall record. Monmouth became the first team in conference history to win 18 MAAC games in a single-season. He was named MAAC Player of the Week three times this season.
Dixon, a 6-foot-2 guard from New Castle, DE ranked sixth in the conference with 16.8 points per game, the best in his rookie class. He posted an 85.9 free-throw percentage, which ranked fourth in the MAAC. Dixon started 19 games for the Bobcats this season and was their leading scorer. Dixon is a six-time MAAC Rookie of the Week this season. Quinnipiac claimed the Rookie of the Week Award ten out of a possible 16 times this season (Peter Kiss, four times) Dixon led all freshmen in scoring, free-throw percentage and three-point field-goals made.
The 2016-17 MAAC Defensive Player of the Year is Chazz Patterson from Saint Peter’s University. Patterson anchored the Peacocks defense, which held opponents to a league-best 61.6 points per game. The 6-foot- 3 senior guard ranked second in the MAAC with 1.8 steals per game and 53 total steals.
The 2016-17 MAAC 6th Player of the Year is Austin Tilghman from Monmouth University. The 6-foot-1 junior guard averaged 6.7 points in 19.7 minutes played per game. He appeared in 30 games for the Hawks this season and posted a career-high 21 points vs. Marist on Jan. 8, 2017. The Wilmington, Delaware native shot 49.5 percent from the field and 73.6 percent from the free-throw line.
The 2017 MAAC Championship title game will take place on Monday, March 6 at 9:00 p.m. and will air live on ESPN2 with the winner earning the leagues automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.
For more information on MAAC men’s basketball, visit maacsports.com/basketball and remember to follow the conversation on social media using #MAACHoops
MAAC Announces 2016-17 Women’s Basketball Major Award Winners
ALBANY, NY – The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) announced today that Rider University senior guard Robin Perkins has been named the 2017 MAAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Year, based upon a vote by the league’s 11 head coaches.
Perkins is the first student-athlete in Rider’s program history to earn the MAAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Year honor. Perkins was fourth in the league in scoring with 15.5 points per game and ranked fifth in three-point field goals made per game with 2.1. The senior was a unanimous selection to the 2017 All-MAAC First Team and was named MAAC Player of the Week twice this season.
Siena College sophomore guard Jackie Benitez is the 2016-17 MAAC Women’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Year. Benitez anchored the Saints on the defensive end of the court and tallied the most steals in the MAAC with 86 and was second in the league with 3.0 per game. The sophomore averaged 16.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in 29 games this season. She was named to the 2017 All-MAAC First Team and took home MAAC Player of the Week honors twice.
Monmouth University senior guard Tyese Purvis takes home the 2016-17 MAAC Women’s Basketball Sixth Player of the Year. The senior averaged 10.2 points per game and converted the fourth-most three-pointers in the league this season with 64. She led the Hawks in scoring nine times this season and scored a career-high 26 points against Eastern Michigan on December 12. Purvis is the second student-athlete in program history to take home the Sixth Player of the Year award (Jasmine McCall is the only other Hawk to win the award and did so in 2015-16).
Marist College freshman guard Rebekah Hand has been named the unanimous 2016-17 MAAC Women’s Basketball Rookie of the Year. Hand recorded 13.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. The guard led all MAAC freshmen in scoring (13.4 ppg), rebounding (6.8 rpg), and was second in assists (3.1 apg) amongst rookies. She was named MAAC Rookie of the Week a league-high eight times this season.
The 2017 MAAC Women’s Basketball Championship game takes place on Monday, March 6 at 5:00 p.m. and will air live on ESPNU with the winner earning the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.
For all information on the 2017 MAAC Basketball Championships, visit maacsports.com/basketball. Be sure to follow the conversation on all social media platforms by using #MAACHoops.
Monmouth University Head Coach King Rice Named The Rock MAAC Coach of the Year
ALBANY, NY – The 2016-17 The Rock MAAC Coach of the Year is King Rice from Monmouth University. Rice led the Hawks to an 18-2 MAAC and a 25-6 overall record. Monmouth is the first team in conference history to win 18 MAAC games in a single-season and is currently on a 16-game winning streak heading into the tournament.
Rice is the third coach in MAAC history to win this award in back to back seasons. He joins Tim Welsh (Iona 1997-98) and Speedy Morris (La Salle 1988-89.) This season, Monmouth won a program record 26 regular season games and 18 conference games. 2016-17 Unanimous Player of the Year, Justin Robinson and Micah Seaborn were named to the All-MAAC First Team while Austin Tilghman was voted as the Sixth Player of the Year under Rice’s tutelage. Monmouth has posted 54 wins over the past two seasons, setting the school record for the most wins in a two-year span in program history.
Monmouth will face ninth seeded Niagara University tonight at 7pm on ESPN3 in the first quarterfinal matchup of the 2017 MAAC Men’s Basketball Championship.
About the 2017 MAAC Men’s Basketball Championship:
The 2017 MAAC Men’s Basketball Championship game takes place on Monday, March 6 at 9:00 p.m. and will air live on ESPN2 with the winner earning the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.
For all information on the 2017 MAAC Basketball Championships, visit maacsports.com/basketball. Be sure to follow the conversation on all social media platforms by using #MAACHoops.
Rider University Head Coach Lynn Milligan Named The Rock MAAC Women's Basketball Head Coach of the Year
ALBANY, NY – The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) announced today that Rider University coach Lynn Milligan has been named The Rock MAAC Women’s Basketball Head Coach of the Year after posting a (22-7, 16-4 MAAC) record. Milligan is a unanimous selection for Coach of the Year.
Milligan becomes the first Rider Women’s Basketball head coach to win The Rock MAAC Coach of the Year award. She guided the Broncs to 22 wins overall this season and 16 in conference play. The 22 wins are the most since the program tallied 26 victories in the 1981-82 season and the 16 MAAC wins are the most by a team in Broncs history. Rider is the number two seed in this year’s MAAC Women’s Basketball Championship, its highest seeding in history.
A total of four student-athletes received postseason honors under Milligan in 2016-17. Senior guard Robin Perkins was named the MAAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Year and was the only unanimous selection to the All-MAAC First Team. Junior guard Kamila Hoskova was selected to the All-MAAC Second Team and senior center Julia Duggan received All-MAAC Third Team honors. Freshman guard Stella Johnson was selected to the MAAC All-Rookie Team.
The four student-athletes to receive All-MAAC honors marked a new program record, the Broncs previously had three members selected to All-MAAC Teams in 2012-13, 2001-02, and 1999-2000. Milligan led the Broncs to a MAAC season-high nine-game winning streak that lasted from January 26-February 24.
Rider cracked the College Insider Mid-Major Top 25 Poll for the first time in its program history on January 10. The Broncs are currently ranked No. 23 overall the highest rank in history. On January 19, Milligan earned her 100th win as Broncs’ head coach with a 56-43 win over Saint Peter’s University.
The 2017 MAAC Women’s Basketball Championship game takes place on Monday, March 6 at 5:00 p.m. and will air live on ESPNU with the winner earning the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.
For all information on the 2017 MAAC Basketball Championships, visit maacsports.com/basketball. Be sure to follow the conversation on all social media platforms by using #MAACHoops.
MAAC Announces 2016-17 All-MAAC Men’s Basketball Teams
EDISON, NJ – The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) announces the 2016-17 Men’s Basketball All-MAAC Teams, selected by the leagues 11 head coaches.
The first team is made up of Tyler Nelson of Fairfield University, Jordan Washington of Iona College, Monmouth University’s Justin Robinson and Micah Seaborn along with Quadir Welton from Saint Peter’s University. These five players are now eligible to be named the 2016-17 MAAC Player of the Year, also selected by the head coaches of the league. The winner will be announced on Friday, March 3 at 10:30 a.m. at the Postseason Awards Show located at the Albany Capital Center. The show will be broadcasted live on ESPN3.
Nelson, a 6-foot-3, junior guard from Bradford, MA was named to the All-MAAC First Team after finishing second in the MAAC with 18.9 points per game. He ranks first in the MAAC with 36.1 minutes played per game. Nelson also ranked third in the conference with an 86.3 free-throw percentage and 2.4 made three-point field goals per game. The junior also ranked ninth in the MAAC with 3.5 assists per game.
Washington, a 6-foot-8, senior forward from Jamaica, NY, was named unanimously to the All-MAAC First Team. His 17.7 points per game for the Gaels was fourth best in the conference. Washington also ranked third in the MAAC with a 55.7 field-goal percentage and fifth in the MAAC with 7.5 rebounds per game
Robinson, a 5-foot-8, junior guard from Lake Katrine, NY, makes the All-MAAC First Team for the second year in a row. The reigning MAAC Player of the Year ranked first in the conference with 19.9 points per game and third with 4.8 assists per game. Robinson made 2.7 three-pointers per game, which was third best in the MAAC. His 1.5 steals per game was fourth best in the MAAC. Robinson posted an 85.2 free-throw percentage, which was fifth-best in the conference from the charity stripe.
Seaborn, a 6-foot-5, redshirt-sophomore guard from Fort Worth, TX co-anchored the Hawks backcourt with Robinson. The reigning Rookie of the Year finished sixth in the MAAC with an 82.8 free-throw percentage and 13th in the MAAC with 2.0 made three-pointers per game. His 13.5 points per game ranked first among his sophomore class.
Welton, a 6-foot-8, senior forward/center from Philadelphia, PA, led the Peacocks to a second-place finish in the MAAC. Welton’s 8.0 rebounds and 5.9 defensive rebounds per game were fourth-best in the league. His 2.1 offensive rebounds per game were ninth best in the conference. Welton averaged 28.3 minutes per game.
The 2016-17 All-MAAC Second Team is made up Kassius Robertson from Canisius College, Khallid Hart of Marist College, Trevis Wyche from Saint Peter’s University and Siena College’s Brett Bisping and Marquis Wright.
The 2016-17 All-MAAC Third team consists of Jermaine Crumpton from Canisius College, Zane Waterman from Manhattan College, Matt Scott from Niagara University and Rider University’s Jimmie Taylor and Kahlil Thomas.
The 2017 MAAC Championship title game will take place on Monday, March 6 at 9:00 p.m. and will air live on ESPN2 with the winner earning the leagues automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.
For more information on MAAC men’s basketball, visits maacsports.com/basketball and remember to follow the conversation on social media using #MAACHoops
All-MAAC First Team
Tyler Nelson, Fairfield
Jordan Washington, Iona*
#Justin Robinson, Monmouth*
Micah Seaborn, Monmouth
Quadir Welton, Saint Peter's
All-MAAC Second Team
Kassius Robertson, Canisius
Khallid Hart, Marist
Trevis Wyche, Saint Peter's
Brett Bisping, Siena
Marquis Wright, Siena
All-MAAC Third Team
Jermaine Crumpton, Canisius
Zane Waterman, Manhattan
Matt Scott, Niagara
Jimmie Taylor, Rider
Kahlil Thomas, Rider
All-Rookie Team
Malik Johnson, Canisius
EJ Crawford, Iona*
Mikey Dixon, Quinnipiac*
Peter Kiss, Quinnipiac*
Stevie Jordan, Rider*
MAAC Announces 2016-17 Women’s Basketball All-MAAC Teams
EDISON, NJ – The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) has announced the 2016-17 Women’s Basketball All-MAAC Teams as voted upon by the league’s 11 head coaches.
The All-MAAC First Team is made up of Fairfield University forward Kelsey Carey, Iona College guard Alexis Lewis, Iona guard Marina Lizarazu, Rider University guard Robin Perkins, and Siena College guard Jackie Benitez.
The five All-MAAC First Team members are now in contention for the 2016-17 MAAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Year Award, which is selected by the league’s 11 head coaches. The 2016-17 MAAC Player of the Year will be announced at the Postseason Awards Show, which is going to be held at the brand-new Albany Capital Center on Friday, March 3 at 10:30 a.m. The Postseason Awards Show airs live on ESPN3.
Fairfield’s senior forward Kelsey Carey averaged 15.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game this season. The Staten Island, NY native shot 46.1 percent from the field, which ranked eighth in the MAAC. Carey finished the 2016-17 campaign fifth in the league in scoring, 10th in rebounding, eighth in field goal percentage, eighth in defensive rebounds per game (4.7), and eighth in minutes played (32.5).
Carey either led or was tied for the lead in scoring in 18 games this season for Fairfield. She scored a season-high 25 points on 10-of-17 (58.8%) shooting, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out four assists in the Stags’ thrilling, 68-67 overtime victory over Rider on January 14. The forward registered four double-doubles this season, the last coming on February 16 vs. Marist College.
Alexis Lewis has been named to the MAAC First Team after being named the MAAC Co-Sixth Player of the Year and selected as a member of the MAAC All-Rookie Team in 2015-16. The sophomore averaged 16.2 points per game, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game for Iona. The guard was tied with Rider’s Julia Duggan for the league’s lead in double-doubles with 10.
Lewis ranked third in the conference in scoring, tied for second in rebounding, tied for fifth in steals per game, fifth in three-point field goal percentage (37.2%), third in three-pointers made per game (2.4), first in offensive rebounds per game (3.3), seventh in defensive rebounds per game (4.8), and sixth in minutes per game (34.5). The Pittson, PA native was named MAAC Player of the Week twice this season (November 28 & February 20) and captured Met Basketball Writers Association Division I Player of the Week Honors once (December 20).
Iona’s Marina Lizarazu is now a two-time member of the All-MAAC First Team. The Madrid, Spain native was selected to the 2015-16 All-MAAC First Team after her junior year. The 2016-17 MAAC Preseason Player of the Year, Lizarazu averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game for the Gaels.
The guard finished the season seventh in the conference in scoring, second in assists per game, ninth in free-throw percentage (76.9%), fourth in steals, fourth in assist/turnover ratio (1.1), and fifth in minutes played (35.4). Lizarazu took home the MAAC Player of the Week award three times this season (December 26, January 23 & February 6). She was also named Met Basketball Writers Association Division I Basketball Player of the Week (January 24).
Rider’s Robin Perkins was the lone unanimous selection to the All-MAAC First Team. The senior guard tallied 15.5 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in 25 starts. She shot 42.6 percent from the field and 33.5 percent from three-point range. Perkins knocked down 52 threes, the sixth most in the MAAC this season.
The Willingboro, NJ native also ranked fourth in the MAAC in scoring and 11th in three-point field goal percentage. On December 30, Perkins scored a career-high 33 points against Quinnipiac University. The 33-point outburst was the fourth-most points scored in a game by a MAAC Women’s Basketball Player this season. She was named MAAC Player of the Week twice (December 12 & January 2) in addition Perkins earned Met Basketball Writers Association Division I Basketball Player of the Week once this season (December 13).
Siena’s Jackie Benitez owns two of the top five scoring performances in the MAAC this season. The sophomore scored 30 points on November 19 vs. the University of Hartford. She then scored 34 points vs. Monmouth University on January 12, which is tied with Siena guard Kollyns Scarbrough and Manhattan College forward Kayla Grimme for the most points scored in a game by a player in the league this season.
Benitez recorded 16.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game this season. The Tobyhanna, PA native finished the season as the league’s second leading scorer, she ranked second in free-throw percentage (82.1%), second in steals per game (3.0), second in three-pointers made per game (2.8), and ninth in minutes (32.2).
The 2016-17 All-MAAC Second Team consists of Canisius College sophomore forward Sara Hinriksdottir, Niagara University red-shirt junior forward Victoria Rampado, Quinnipiac red-shirt senior guard Adily Martucci, Rider junior guard Kamila Hoskova, and Siena junior guard Kollyns Scarbrough.
The 2016-17 All-MAAC Third Team is made up of Fairfield red-shirt senior forward Casey Smith, Manhattan junior forward Kayla Grimme, Quinnipiac red-shirt sophomore forward Jen Fay, Quinnipiac sophomore guard/forward Aryn McClure, and Rider senior forward Julia Duggan.
The 2017 MAAC Women’s Basketball Championship game takes place on Monday, March 6 at 5:00 p.m. and will air live on ESPNU with the winner earning the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.
For all information on the 2017 MAAC Basketball Championships, visit maacsports.com/basketball. Be sure to follow the conversation on all social media platforms by using #MAACHoops.
All-MAAC First Team
Kelsey Carey, Fairfield
Alexis Lewis, Iona
Marina Lizarazu, Iona#
Robin Perkins, Rider*
Jackie Benitez, Siena
All-MAAC Second Team
Sara Hinriksdottir, Canisius
Victoria Rampado, Niagara
Adily Martucci, Quinnipiac
Kamila Hoskova, Rider
Kollyns Scarbrough, Siena
All-MAAC Third Team
Casey Smith, Fairfield
Kayla Grimme, Manhattan
Jen Fay, Quinnipiac
Aryn McClure, Quinnipiac
Julia Duggan, Rider
*Denotes unanimous selection
#Repeat First Team selection
MAAC Announces 2016-17 All-MAAC Men’s Basketball Teams
EDISON, NJ – The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) announces the 2016-17 MAAC Men’s Basketball All-Rookie Team, selected by the leagues 11 head coaches.
The team is made up of Malik Johnson from Canisius College, E.J. Crawford of Iona College, Quinnipiac University’s Mikey Dixon & Peter Kiss and Rider University’s Stevie Jordan. One of these five players will be named the 2016-17 MAAC Rookie of the Year, also selected by the head coaches of the league. The winner will be announced on Friday, March 3 at 10:30 a.m. at the Postseason Awards Show, which will be held at Albany Capital Center. The show will be broadcasted live on ESPN3.
Johnson, a 5-foot-10 guard from Richmond, VA started all 31 games for the Griffs in his rookie campaign. He ranked second in the MAAC with a 2.5 assist/turnover ratio and fifth in the conference with 4.2 assists per game.
Crawford, a 6-foot-6 guard/forward from Hartford, CT started 26 games for the Gaels this season. He averaged 9.7 points per game and recorded a 78.5 free-throw percentage. Crawford ranked third in the MAAC with a 44.7 three-point field-goal shooting percentage.
Dixon, a 6-foot-2 guard from New Castle, DE ranked sixth in the conference with 16.8 points per game, the best in his rookie class. He posted a 85.9 free-throw percentage, which ranked fourth in the MAAC. Dixon started 19 games for the Bobcats this season and was their leading scorer. Dixon is a six-time MAAC Rookie of the Week this season.
Kiss, a 6-foot-5 guard from New York, NY averaged 13.3 points per game for the Bobcats, right behind his teammate. Kiss ranked ninth in the MAAC with 1.2 steals per game and was named MAAC Rookie of the Week four times this season. Kiss was the leading scorer for Quinnipiac in eight games in his rookie campaign. Quinnipiac University claimed the Rookie of the Week Award 10 out of a possible 16 times this season.
Jordan, a 5-foot-10 guard from Bensalem, PA ranked first in the conference with 5.8 assists per game. His 157 total assists ranked second in the MAAC. Jordan’s 1.4 steals per game was seventh-best in the MAAC. Jordan posted a 1.7 assist/turnover ratio, which ranked ninth in the conference. Jordan ranked third on the Broncs with 11.5 points per game and was named MAAC Rookie of the Week three times this season.
The 2017 MAAC Championship title game will take place on Monday, March 6 at 9:00 p.m. and will air live on ESPN2 with the winner earning the leagues automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.
For more information on MAAC men’s basketball, visits maacsports.com/basketball and remember to follow the conversation on social media using #MAACHoops
MAAC Announces 2016-17 Women’s Basketball All-Rookie Team
EDISON, NJ – The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) has announced the 2016-17 Women’s Basketball All-Rookie Team as voted upon by the league’s 11 head coaches.
The All-Rookie Team consists of Marist College guard Hannah Hand, Marist guard Rebekah Hand, Monmouth University guard Kayla Shaw, Rider University guard Stella Johnson, and Saint Peter’s University forward Zoe Pero.
One of these five freshmen will be honored as the 2016-17 MAAC Rookie of the Year at the Postseason Awards Show, which is going to be held at the brand-new Albany Capital Center on Friday, March 3 at 10:30 a.m. The Postseason Awards Show airs live on ESPN3.
Marist’s Hannah Hand averaged 10.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game this season. The Argyle, TX native shot 42.5 percent from the field and 39.4 percent from behind the arc, which was the second-best three-point field goal percentage in the MAAC behind Monmouth’s Kayla Shaw.
Hand’s 10.2 points per game ranked third-best amongst freshmen in the conference, she trailed Rebekah Hand (13.4 ppg) and Shaw (11.6 ppg). She was also tied for seventh in the league and third amongst freshmen in assists per game (2.9). The guard played in 27 games and made 24 starts, she was named MAAC Rookie of the Week twice (January 16 & January 30). Hand was a unanimous selection to the All-Rookie Team.
Rebekah Hand averaged 13.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in 30 starts for Marist. The guard led MAAC freshmen in scoring, rebounding, free-throw percentage (80.4%), defensive rebounds per game (4.6), and minutes per game (35.9).
She ranked 10th in the league in scoring (13.3 ppg), eighth in rebounding (6.8 rpg), sixth in assists (3.1 apg), third in free-throw percentage (80.4%), sixth in assist/turnover ratio (1.0), tied for ninth in defensive rebounds per game (4.6), and fourth in minutes played (35.9). The Argyle, TX native was named MAAC Rookie of the Week eight times this season and earned the honor five weeks in a row (November 21-December 19). Hand was a unanimous selection to the All-Rookie Team.
Monmouth’s Kayla Shaw averaged 11.6 points per game on 40.3 percent shooting from the field and 41.3% shooting from three, to lead the MAAC. The guard led the league in three-pointers made (88), three-pointers attempted (213), and three-pointers made per game (3.0).
Shaw ranked 20th in the nation in three-pointers made this season coming into play on Sunday, February 26. She converted seven three-pointers on January 28 vs. Siena College, to tie Iona College guard Alexis Lewis and Siena guard Jackie Benitez for the most threes made in a game in the MAAC this season. The Scottsdale, AZ native was named MAAC Rookie of the Week three times (January 9, January 23 & February 27). Shaw was a unanimous selection to the All-Rookie Team.
Stella Johnson averaged 10.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.8 steals per game for Rider. She shot 51.1 percent from the field, which led all freshmen and was second overall in the MAAC. She also led freshmen and ranked third in the league in steals per game (2.8). Prior to games being played on Sunday, February 26, Johnson ranked 24th in the nation in steals per game.
The Denville, NJ native recorded six steals in her collegiate debut against Princeton University on November 11 and then set a Rider program record with eight steals against Lafayette College on November 14. She was named MAAC Rookie of the Week twice (November 14 & December 26). Johnson also earned the USBWA Freshman of the Week honor once (December 27). Johnson was a unanimous selection to the All-Rookie Team.
Saint Peter’s Zoe Pero averaged 7.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in 29 games played in her freshman campaign. Pero led the MAAC in free-throw percentage (82.2%). The forward scored in double figures seven times this season and recorded a season-high 18 points on three occasions (December 30 at Brown, February 16 at Canisius & February 24 vs. Siena).
The Secaucus, NJ native broke into the Peacocks’ starting lineup down the stretch starting 14-straight games to close out the regular season. She was named MAAC Rookie of the Week once (January 2).
The 2017 MAAC Women’s Basketball Championship game takes place on Monday, March 6 at 5:00 p.m. and will air live on ESPNU with the winner earning the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.
For all information on the 2017 MAAC Basketball Championships, visit maacsports.com/basketball. Be sure to follow the conversation on all social media platforms by using #MAACHoops.
MAAC hosts “Hannaford Helps Food Drive” to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York
ALBANY, NY – The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and Hannaford Supermarkets teamed up to support hunger relief efforts with a “Hannaford Helps Food Drive” during the men’s quarterfinals session of the 2017 MAAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships at the Times Union Center on Saturday, March 4.
Fans in attendance at the games contributed numerous non-perishable items and more than $100, which were donated to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Fans who donated at least three non-perishable items received a voucher for two free tickets to the women’s championship game, which will be held at 5 p.m. today at the Times Union Center.
Additionally, Pepsi supplemented the fan contributions by donating several pallets of Crystal Pepsi to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.
This evening will also feature the men’s championship game with a showdown between conference rivals Iona and Siena at 9 p.m. Tickets for both the MAAC men’s and women’s basketball championships are available at the Times Union Center Box Office, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.timesunioncenter-albany.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
Niagara's MacCheyne, Fairfield's O'Connor & Siena's Sardella Take Home MAAC Women's Lacrosse Weekly Honors
Offensive Player of the Week
So., A, Feeding Hills, Webster, NY/Webster Schroeder
Sophomore attack Rachel MacCheyne tied for the Niagara’s scoring lead last week, with seven goals and one assist for eight points in two games. In a narrow 11-10 loss to the Colgate Raiders at home, MacCheyne tallied two goals and one assist, with her first goal with 13:03 left in the first period sparking a 5-1 Niagara run heading into halftime. Niagara got back in the win column on March 4 at Mount St. Mary’s as MacCheyne scored a career-high five goals en route to a 15-11 win over the Mountaineers. After nine goals and three assists in 12 games as a freshman in 2016, MacCheyne has surpassed that total through three games this season, racking up 13 points (11 goals, 2 assists).
Defensive Player of the Week
Sr., GK, Tewksbury, NJ/Villa Walsh
Senior goalkeeper Caleigh O’Connor had a career-high 10 saves in her second win of the season. The Stags held New Hampshire to just five goals on the day. O’Connor also picked up five groundballs and added two caused turnovers to lead the Stags in both categories.
Rookie of the Week
Fr., M, Liverpool, NY/ Liverpool Central
Freshman midfield Julia Sardella recorded her first collegiate hat-trick in the Saints 12-10 victory over Vermont. She also dished out two assists for a team-high five points. She picked up two ground balls, had one draw control, and went 1-1 on free position shots. She scored the 12th and final goal for Siena with just 30 seconds left on the clock.
Iona's Kristen Turner, Canisius' Erika Mackie & Fairfield's Amanda Ulzheimer Earn MAAC Softball Weekly Awards
Player of the Week
Sr., INF, Turnersville, NJ/Washington Township
Senior Kristen Turner went (10-15) at the plate, a .667 clip that included three extra base hits. Turner drove in a total of five runs and scored two herself. The senior went (4-4) with three RBI in Iona’s 15-1 victory over Wagner College on Sunday, March 5. She posted a .667 on-base percentage and a .867 slugging percentage.
Pitcher of the Week
Jr., P, Scranton PA/Holy Cross
Junior pitcher Erika Mackie went 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 14.0 innings of work last week, as the Golden Griffins took part in the Upstate Classic in South Carolina. In the team’s 3-0 win in extra innings over co-host Furman March 3, the Scranton, Pennsylvania native went the distance and fanned a career-high nine batters en route to her first shutout victory of the year. She allowed four runs, three earned, in the team’s 4-0 loss to co-host USC Upstate March 4.
Rookie of the Week
Fr., OF, Franklin Square, NY/H. Frank Carey
Ulzheimer had a hit in all four games last week as the Stags posted a 3-1 record at the Patriot Classic hosted by George Mason. She had a three-hit game in a win over Columbia and a victory against George Mason. Ulzheimer also had five runs scored, four walks, and five stolen bases in as many attempts in her four games. For the week, Ulzheimer batted .667 (8-12) and owned a .750 on-base percentage in her four starts as an outfielder. She did not strikeout in any of her 16 plate appearances over the weekend. For the season, Ulzheimer is Fairfield’s top hitter with a .591 batting average.
Iona’s Kristen Turner & Marist’s Jayne Oberdorf Named Senior CLASS Award Candidates
OVERLAND PARK, KS – Iona College senior infielder Kristen Turner and Marist College senior pitcher Jayne Oberdorf were selected as candidates for the 2017 Senior CLASS Award® in collegiate softball.
To qualify for the award student-athletes must be a Division I senior and have noteworthy achievements in four specific areas; community, classroom, character, and competition. Turner and Oberdorf are two of 30 candidates selected from around the nation to qualify for the award.
Turner was named to the All-MAAC First Team after her junior campaign. She was again recognized by the league’s head coaches by being named to the 2017 Preseason All-MAAC Team as a unanimous selection.
Oberdorf took home the 2016 MAAC Pitcher of the Year award after going 16-4 with a 2.02 ERA (38 earned runs/132.0 innings pitched). She tossed nine complete games and five shutouts as a junior. Oberdorf was also selected to the 2017 Preseason All-MAAC Team by the league’s head coaches.
About the Senior CLASS Award:
An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School ®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.
The 30 candidates will be narrowed to 10 finalists later in the season, and those 10 names will be placed on the official ballot. Ballots will be distributed through a nationwide voting system to media, coaches and fans, who will select one candidate who best exemplifies excellence in the four Cs of community, classroom, character and competition.
The Senior CLASS Award winner will be announced during the 2017 Women’s College World Series®.
Marist's Rouse, Niagara Duo of Procopio & Brash Take Home Weekly Awards
Player of the Week
Jr., 5-11, 3B, Hagaman, NY/Amsterdam
In three games at George Mason, Rouse batted .500 (5-for-10) with four walks, three runs scored, one RBI, a .500 slugging percentage and a .615 on base percentage. In a 10-9 loss to the Patriots he went 2- for-3 with two walks, a run scored and one RBI and in a 4-1 win, he went 3-for-5 with a run scored.
Pitcher of the Week
Sr., 5-11, RHP, Toronto, Ontario/Seminole State College
In Niagara’s 8-5 win over the La Salle Explorers on Friday, March 3, Procopio (2-1) struck out 12 batters in 6.0 innings pitched. He allowed only one hit and one run and walked only one batter. Procopio finished the day with a 1.50 ERA.
Rookie of the Week
Fr., 6-1, RHP, Kingston, Ontario/ Bayridge Secondary School
In the Purple Eagles 9-0 shutout victory over La Salle on Sunday, March 5, Brash (2-0) struck out seven batters and allowed only one hit in 6.0 innings pitched.
MAAC Teams Compete at ECAC Swimming and Diving Championships
ANNAPOLIS, MD – The 2017 Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) Open Swimming and Diving Championships hosted by the U.S. Naval Academy concluded on Sunday, March 5. Marist College and Rider University men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams represented the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC).
Marist’s Shannon Gordon placed fourth in the 1650-yard freestyle event with a time of 17:02.43. Freshman Jessica Miller recorded a time of 2:07.96 for a sixth-place finish in the 200-yard fly.
Megan Berardelli, won the 3-meter event for the second consecutive year with a score of 278.00. Berardelli won a second gold medal at the 1-meter board (258.05). Her teammate Lauren Katz also added to the Red Foxes’ day, she placed third in the 3-meter dive with a score of 244.45, her highest career postseason finish. Katz also finished in second place on the 1-meter board with 237.00 points.
Marist’s men’s swimming and diving team also competed at the ECAC Championships. On the first night, the 400-yard medley relay team of Robert McDowell, Edward Oser, Manuel Garcia, and Miguel Madeira broke the school record with a time of 3:20.91.
On the diving side for the men’s Red Foxes’, junior Peter Gallino recorded a personal best and new ECAC record in the 1-meter dive with a score of 323.35 points, while freshman Raislan Aiken took the bronze medal with 259.85 points.
On day two, Gallino added his second gold medal of the weekend, this time in the 3-meter event (309.65). Aiken followed just behind and took the silver medal with a score of 291.30.
The men’s swimming and diving team took eighth place, while the Marist women’s team took sixth.
Rider started the weekend with a bronze medal in the 200-free relay with a team comprised of Maciej Paz, William Molloy, Lucas Musselman, and Vincent Gibbons (1:22.45). Senior Sam Cramer also finished third in the 500-free in 4:28.98.
Junior Zack Molloy posted two new ECAC meet-records and finished first in the 200-free with a time of 1:34.75 and also in the 100-free (43.53). Freshman Justin Carey added a silver medal in the 100-back (49.20 seconds).
The 400-yard free relay team of Zack Molloy, Sam Cramer, Williams Molloy, and Vincent Gibbons also won a gold medal (2:58.79).
Freshman Meg Tomayko made her debut at the championship and finished fourth in both the 3-meter and 1-meter dive events for the Broncs’ women’s diving team.
Hannah Bayer of Rider finished seventh in the 400-yard individual IM with a time of 4:38.27. The men’s swimming and diving team took second place, while the women placed 11th.
Megan Berardelli and Peter Gallino each received the 2017 ECAC Men’s and Women’s Open Swimming and Diving Diver of the meet, as voted on by attending head coaches at the close of day two.
Marist has now had either a male or a female diver take first place at each of the last five ECAC title meets. The Marist women’s swimming and diving team finished in sixth place, while the men’s squad placed eighth at the ECAC Championships.
About the ECAC:
The mission of the ECAC shall be to initiate and provide intercollegiate athletics opportunities for student-athletes while promoting and developing leadership and excellence. The ECAC shall understand and support the programs and philosophies of each member; while enhancing participation, and maintaining equitable opportunities for all student-athletes. The ECAC will develop and implement programs and services for the membership; while promoting its membership's student-athletes, coaches and administrators.
MAAC School’s Compete in ECAC & IC4A Championships
EDISON, NJ – The 2017 Indoor Track and Field ECAC and IC4A Championships concluded and the Monmouth University Women’s team finished in third place, the best finish in program history. The Hawks finished with 48 points, just behind Liberty’s 54 points, and Albany’s 62 points.
The Hawk’s captured two victories with senior Tionna Garner taking home the 500m for the second-straight time with a mark of 1:10.78. Garner also contributed in the 4x800m first place finish with sophomores Brianna Stratz. Chandi Piiru, and senior Jenna Cupp. The team crossed the line in 8:44.57 seconds, only .31 seconds faster than second place Boston College. Senior Casey Sturts, the 2017 MAAC Indoor Field Events Most Outstanding Performer, also contributed to the team’s Pole Vault with a mark of 3.80m. The Hawks tied for second place in the event.
Quinnipiac University senior sprinter Jessica Lee finished in first place in the Women’s 60m Hurdles with a time of 8.42. Finishing in second place just behind Lee was Rider University junior Sara Gardner in a time of 8.55 (8.5439). Paige Chapman of Manhattan College also took home a victory in the women’s 60m Dash with a time of 7.56.
Monmouth finished in third place with 48 points, Manhattan College came in tied for 13th place with 20 points, Quinnipiac University finished tied for 22nd place with 14 points, and Rider University rounded out the MAAC schools in tied for 30th place with eight points.
On the Men’s side, two MAAC standouts placed in the top three in the Weight Throw. Manhattan Senior Love Litzell came in second with a mark of 20.04m and Monmouth senior Tim Wilson came in third with a mark of 19.84m. Manhattan College senior Hayden Clarke earned a win with a mark of 7.43m in the Long Jump. Also from Manhattan, sophomore thrower Ryan Addlesberger came in third place in the shot put with a mark of 17.17m.
Bryan Sosoo, the 2017 MAAC Indoor Track Events Most Outstanding Performers, finished second in the 60m Dash, finishing with a time of 6.76 just .03 seconds out of first place. Jac Hopkins of Iona and the 2017 MAAC Indoor Track Events Rookie of the Meet came in third place in the Men’s 3000m with a time of 8:08.37. In the Men’s 4x800 Relay, Rider’s team consisted of Isaiah Jean-Baptiste, Johnathan Jackson, Scott Wood, & Anthony Ardino placed third with a time of 7:32.83.
Manhattan finished in ninth place overall with 26 points, Monmouth came in tied for 12th place with 20 points, Iona in tied for 22nd place with 10 points, Rider tied for 27th place with nine points, and rounding out the MAAC schools was Canisius tied for 35th with six points.
Rider's Bob Hamer Named USTFCCCA Indoor Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year
LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Fresh off the Broncs’ first-ever MAAC Men’s Indoor Track & Field Championship, Head Coach Bob Hamer has been named U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Indoor Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year, the organization today announced. The honor is the first of Hamer’s career after earning five MAAC Track & Field Coach of the Year honors. With five event champions and scorers in every event except the weight throw, Hamer’s crew delivered the league crown.
“It is always a special honor to be recognized by your peers in the coaching profession,” said Hamer. “The award is really not about me, it is about the work and commitment that the athletes put in each and every day to make this program special. Additionally, it is a credit to the great assistant coaches that we have here at Rider who lead, guide, coach, and mentor the athletes to achieve at the highest levels possible. It is a total team effort and this honor is reflective of that philosophy.”
On the second day of the MAAC Championships, the Rider men jumped from fourth to first-place thanks to strong performances. Rider edged defending conference champion Monmouth on the men’s side by three points, 149-146.
The Rider men had a major award winner for the first time since 2011. Junior Tyree Adams (Hamilton, NJ/Hamilton West) was named the Men’s Field Most Outstanding Performer. Adams won the long jump with a mark of 7.55M and he also finished fifth in the triple jump and sixth in the high jump. Hamer was also honored as the 2017 MAAC Men’s Indoor Track & Field Coach of the Year. It marked the second time during his tenure that he received the indoor distinction after being tabbed as the Men’s Coach of the Year back in 2010.
Liam Dee Joins Father to Make Ninth Sub-Four Mile Combination in History
NEW ROCHELLE, NY – With a mile time of 3:58.19 on Sunday at the Boston University Last Chance Meet, Liam Dee ran the second fastest indoor mile time in school history while also posting the fastest time in the MAAC this season by eight seconds. The run also produced world history, as Liam joined his father, Billy Dee, to become only the ninth father-son combination to both break four-minute miles.
Billy Dee ran his sub-four mile on July 14, 1991 in Croydon England, clocking in at 3:59.87 for the Shaftesbury Barnet Club. The Dee duo now holds the eighth fastest average of the nine accomplished pairings, averaging their two times to 3:58.68. With Billy’s run on Sunday, the Dees are the lone English natives on the father-son list.
The fastest average time belongs to the most recent combination before the Dees to accomplish the feat, John and Johnny Gregorek. The Gregorek pairing averaged a time of 3:52.25 to own the fastest father-son sub-four mile times as John first accomplished a 3:57.10 time in 1981 before Johnny recorded a 3:57.47 in 2015.
Legends Kip and Martin Keino of Kenya were the first combo to break four minutes for the mile with respective times of 3:54.2 (1965) and 3:58.73 (1994). Barry & Darren Brown were the first U.S. pair to go to sub-4 minutes for the mile as Barry ran a 3:58.8 in 1973 and Darren broke 3:59.99 in 2008.
Liam’s time on Sunday trails only Richard Kiplagat, a 10-time All-American, for the fastest time in program history. The 3:58.19 time is also 12th best in the country this season ahead of the NCAA Championships scheduled for March 10-11 at Texas A&M.
The NCAA Division I Indoor Track & Field Championships field will be revealed tonight on NCAA.com at 10:00 pm ET.
Forman, Stekl Earn Student-Athlete of the Week Awards
Sarah Forman, Siena College
Indoor Track | Sophomore | Altamont, NY/Guilderland
Forman has had a huge impact on the Siena track program. She became the first female in Siena history to qualify for the ECAC Championships. In the 3000m she took 13th place overall at the ECAC Championship. At the Indoor MAAC Championship, Forman became the first student athlete at Siena to take a MAAC title. She grabbed the 3000m title with a 9:55.79 race time. She was one of 18 named to the MAAC All-Academic Team this season. Forman earned one MAAC Runner of the Week honors.
Ryan Stekl, Canisius College
Baseball | Junior | 1B/3B | Lancaster, NY/Lancaster
Canisius first basemen Ryan Stekl has appeared and started in all 12 games for the Golden Griffins this season, leading the team in doubles (4), while ranking second in RBI (9), slugging percentage (.438), and on base percentage (.458). He is also tied for the second most hits (17) and walks (10) for the Blue and Gold.
A member of the 2016 MAAC All-Academic Team, Stekl started 56 games for the Griffs during the 2016 season, setting new career-highs in with 17 doubles, two triples, 44 RBI, a .369 slugging percentage and 22 walks.
The Health and Wellness major currently posses a 3.78 cumulative GPA.
Credits:
Stockton Photo