Dec. 4, 2005

Aston, PA-Neumann's field hockey team was honored by alumni, family and supporters, as the Knights closed out the 2005 season at the 3^rd Annual Neumann Knights Field Hockey Banquet held in the Living and Learning Center at Neumann College.

 

The 2005 Knights made a remarkable turnaround from the early part of the season to end the year in the semifinal game of the PAC Tournament. Led by Knights Head Coach Carol Di Girolamo and All-PAC selection Amanda Biagi, Neumann College posted a 7-13-0 record, won five games in the PAC, and reached the PAC championship semifinal game after defeating two-time defending PAC champion Wesley College 1-0 in the PAC first-round, before suffering a heartbreaking loss to Alvernia College the PAC semifinal.

 

At the event sophomore newcomer Chelsea Ward was honored with the 2005 Defensive Player of the Year Award. Ward posted 226 saves this season which included 6 wins and 3 shutout victories for the Knights. Wards success on the field places her second in the record books for career wins recorded.

 

The Knights also paid tribute to senior standout Brandy McCreary, who was honored with the 2005 Midfield Player of the Year award. This was McCreary second team honor; she also was presented with the Midfield Player of the Year award following the 2004 season. As a four-year starter for the Knights, McCreary was also a two-time team captain. She was honored with this award for her role in leading team and sparking the midfield this past season.

McCreary now sits fourth in career leaders in assists with 11 and defensive saves with 3. She will graduate in May with a degree in communications.

 

This years Offensive Player of the Year award was presented to sophomore Amanda Biagi. Biagi led this season's offense with 30 points. She was also named to the PAC All-Conference 1^st Team as a forward. For her efforts Biagi has earned the third place spot in the season records books for scoring, with 12 goals this season.

 

MVP honors went to Junior Rachael Mease who commanded the offense this past season with her leadership and her dominant field presence. In her first season back from injury, Mease scored 6 goals and 3 assist on the year. Her leadership style helped to propel the Knights to one of their best finishes in program history.

 

The Saint Francis and Clare award, which is given to the teammate who best displays dedication to the Franciscan mission of Neumann College, was presented to sophomore Katie Hicks.  Hicks who was out this season due to injury, was awarded for her constant positive attitude and dedication to the team, her exceptional respect for opponents, teammates, coaches and officials. 

 

Before the day was done Head Coach Carol Di Girolamo and Assistant Coach Jill Sinclair also recognized the 2005 Pennsylvania Athletic Conference awards winners. Ward, Biagi and Michelle Coderre all represented Neumann well during the season, earning PAC Honorable Mention Honors. Junior Chantell Knutel and Biagi were also recognized for their selection to the 2005 All-PAC All-Conference Team.

 

After a short send off of Neumann's seniors, Brandy McCreary, Dena Reihl (Culberson), Samantha Lafferty, and Lindsey Webb, the Knights thanked their supporters and started the planning process for the year ahead.