Sage honors excellence from 2010-2011 at Annual Athletic Awards Banquet

May 6, 2011

Sage honors excellence from 2010-2011 at Annual Athletic Awards Banquet

Troy, NY--- The Sage Colleges athletic department gathered last week at Carmela’s Banquet House to bestow the program’s top awards for the 2010-2011 academic year. Sage, which now boasts 12 varsity athletic teams that compete as an NCAA Division III member and a full-member of the Skyline Athletic Conference, handed out a Gator of the Year award as the team’s Most Valuable Player Award in each sport as well as other honors at the banquet as athletic department staff, the college’s dignitaries, families and friends gathered to salute the excellence that occurred in 2010-2011 at Sage.

Sage's Male Athlete of the Year, Kyle Ray (left), Director of Athletics, Dani Drews (Middle), and Female Athlete of the Year, Nicole Corbett (right).

2010-2011 Sage Female Athlete of the Year: Nicole Corbett (Sr., East Greenbush, NY/Columbia) Women’s Volleyball

Nicole became the College’s first four-time Skyline Conference All-Star First Team honoree this fall with her outstanding play in women’s volleyball. During her career, Corbett excelled on the court and in the classroom at Sage and last year garnered the 2009-2010 ECAC Merit Medal for her outstanding contributions. A 2010 CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-District Second Team honoree, she is a childhood education and middle childhood extension and math major at Sage with a 3.85 grade-point-average. During her career, she guided the team to back-to-back Skyline Conference Championship titles in 2007 and 2008 as well as the college’s first and only NCAA Division III Tournament appearances. Active on campus and in the community, Nicole is a member of the math club at Sage and works as a math tutor, while also volunteering as a Miracle League volunteer.

As a senior on the 2010 team, she helped the program earn its fourth straight Skyline Conference Tournament appearance, while breaking Sage’s career block record with 449 blocks. She also etched her name into several of Sage’s career and single-season records as well in her four years on the squad. She ranks third in blocks per game (0.97), fourth in kills (1,131), and sixth in kills per game (2.43).

2010-2011 Sage Male Athlete of the Year: Kyle Ray (So., Horseheads, NY/Horeseheads), Men’s Volleyball

As a freshman, Kyle Ray was one of six players to help launch the men’s volleyball program at Sage and was named a co-captain. By season’s end, he was named to the Skyline Conference All-Star Second Team for his play as an outside hitter. With the new season, Ray was once again named a captain, but also was asked to change positions and did so with ease. He helped the team improve from a 5-20 performance in the first season to a 14-12 record with a second-straight Skyline Conference Tournament bid. He led the team with his 692 setting assists and ranked among the national statistical leaders along the way. By season’s end, the sophomore setter ranked 27^th in Division III in setting assists per set and 89^th in aces per set with his 0.23 per set average. A member of the 2011 NECVA Scholar-Athlete Team, Ray played in all 26 matches for Sage this season while appearing in 86 sets with 89 digs and 20 aces.

2010-2011 Aggie Stillman Perseverance Award: Matt Farbotko (So, Rouses Point, NY/Northeastern Clinton), Men’s Basketball

(In her nearly forty-year career at Sage, Aggie was a friend, mentor, professor, class advisor, coach, and the Gators’ biggest fan. She radiated pride and enthusiasm in everything she did, while embodying the Sage spirit of patience and perseverance against any odds. Aggie waged a personal battle with cancer for over 20 years and finally succumbing to the disease on May, 13, 2008. She is missed every day. In her honor, we will bestow the Aggie Stillman Perseverance Award to the person affiliated with Sage Athletics that best exemplifies those traits, which made Aggie so special.

Matt Farbotko excelled as a rookie with the first men’s basketball team at Sage and capped his season by earning Skyline Conference Rookie of the Year honors. His sophomore season came to a crashing halt when he suffered an injury in the opening weekend of practice to his sophomore season. Not deterred, Farbotko worked hard and was able to return to the starting lineup in the first week of January. By season’s end, he played in 17 games and finished with a 14.2 ppg average, which was second on the team and averaged 30.1 minutes a game. He surpassed the 500 career point plateau and now has 592 points and 258 rebounds in 42 games played as a Gator.

2010-2011 ECAC Merit Award: Elizabeth Donk (Sr., Phelps, NY/Midlakes) Women’s Basketball and Lacrosse

A three-year letterwinner in women’s basketball at Sage, this two-time basketball team captain provided the spark and leadership necessary to help the team to the program’s first Skyline Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament appearance. Her leadership and skills did not go unnoticed as she started all 24 games this season and leads the team with her 97 assists. She finishes her Sage career ranked second all-time with 297 assists, while her 145 career free throws is No. 9 on the Gator career list. She also played in 70 career games, which stands 11^th best at Sage and added 491 career points with 312 rebounds. A leader on campus, Donk served as the vice president of Sage’s SAAC, Student-Athlete Advisory Council and was an officer for two years. She was very instrumental in the women’s basketball team’s involvement this past season with Jumper for Jacob, a fund raising contest to benefit Jacob’s Angels.

She capped her Sage career adding women’s lacrosse to her resume, a new sport for the student-athlete. Donk capped her athletic career with a hat trick in her new sport and earned acclaim from the Skyline Conference, earning a spot on the Skyline Conference Women’s Lacrosse Weekly Honor Roll. She finished the 2011 women’s lacrosse season as the second leading scorer with five goals, and a team-best 23 ground ball pickups.

Sage Gators Fan of the Year: Mike Jones (Troy, NY), Sage parent and basketball public address announcer

(This was a new award introduced last year, that will be bestowed a member of the Sage community that has shown outstanding support of all student-athletes.)

A parent of a former women’s volleyball and softball player at Sage, Mike Jones has maintained his ties to Sage as he was often times seen cheering in the stands at women’s volleyball matches or softball games, despite the absence of a family member on the team. He volunteers his time and expertise to Sage’s athletic department as he serves as the voice of Sage women’s and men’s basketball teams. His time out trivia is a fan favorite and his constant presence has been an asset to the department and Sage’s student-athletes.

2010-2011 Sage Athletic Honor Society:

(The Sage College’s Intercollegiate Athletic Honor Society recognizes junior, senior, or graduate level student-athletes, who have maintained a cumulative grade-point-average of 3.2 or better and have participated as a member of a varsity team for at least two seasons.)

*Allison Bishop (Sr., Troy, NY/Lansingburgh), Softball

Brianna Bixler (Jr., Highlands, NY/Highlands), Women’s Tennis

*Ashley Brennan (Sr., Loudonville, NY/Colonie Central), Women’s Tennis

*Sarah Briggs (Sr., Cohoes, NY/Cohoes), Women’s Soccer

*Nicole Corbett (Sr., East Greenbush, NY/Columbia), Women’s Volleyball

Elizabeth Donk (Sr., Phelps, NY/Midlakes), Women’s Basketball and Women’s Lacrosse

Ashley Eberle (Jr., Delmar, NY/Bethlehem), Softball

Dustin Farrell (Sr., Port Kent, NY/AuSable Valley Central)

Erica Fitzgerald (Jr., Queensbury, NY/Queensbury), Women’s Tennis

*Cheryce Harvey (Sr., Utica, NY/Thomas R. Proctor), Women’s Volleyball

*Nicole Killeen (Sr., Petersburgh, NY/Berlin), Women’s Soccer

Rebecca Marszalek (Jr., Adams, MA/Hoosac Valley), Women’s Soccer

Brittany McDonald (Sr., Schenectady, NY/Schalmont), Women’s Soccer

Kimberly Poetzsch (Sr., Ravena, NY/Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk), Women’s Lacrosse

*Amanda Potter (Sr., Schenectady, NY/Schalmont), Women’s Soccer

Lauren Schroder (Sr., Enfield, CT/Enrico Fermi), Women’s Tennis

Brian Steele (Sr., Ballston Spa, NY/Ballston Spa), Men’s Golf

Laura Tisinger (Gloversville, NY/Gloversville), Women’s Soccer

Joshua Weaver (Sr., Sandlake, NY/Averill Park), Men’s Golf

*Indicates Previous Inductee

2010-2011 Sage Sport-by-Sport Awards and honorees

(Gator of the Year is the team’s Most Valuable Player Award)

Men’s Soccer:

Gator of the Year: Evan Southworth (Fr., Newburgh, NY/Newburgh Free Academy)

Evan Southworth was a 16-game starter for Sage on the midfield unit. He finished the season with six points on two goals and two assists. He helped the Gators earn a No. 3 seed in the 2010 Skyline Conference Tournament as a first-year program and was a leader for Sage on and off the field, earning Skyline Conference All-Star Second Team honors for his play.

Scholar-Athlete Award: Chris Modelowski (Jr., Amsterdam, NY/Amsterdam)

This award is given to the men’s soccer player with the highest grade-point-average following the fall of 2010 semester. Chris Modelowski earned the award as he is a physical education major at Sage with a 3.59 grade-point-average.

Coaches’ Award: Elijah Braemer (Jr., Fort Plain, NY/Fort Plain)

Braemer, whose first season with the Gators was limited due to an injury, played in eight games with three starts and was a leader on and off the field for the young program. He helped anchor a defense that yielded just 1.26 goals per game, while tallying four shutouts in 2010.

Men’s Cross Country:

Gator of the Year: Bryan Kelly (Fr., Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley Central)

Kelly led the team in every meet as the first Sage runner to cross the finish line in the team’s first varsity season. He added a Top 20 finish in his first race at Sage and by season’s end had earned acclaim for his efforts in the classroom as well. He was named to the 2010 USTFCCCA NCAA Division III Scholar-Athlete Team as well as Sage’s Fall Scholar-Athlete Second Team for his academic excellence.

Most Improved Runner: Christopher Nerf (Sr., Latham, NY/Shaker)

Christopher Nerf made a dramatic improvement of the course of the season for Sage. A newcomer to running, by season’s end, Nerf had shaved 16 minutes off of his five-mile time and helped the Gators also earn honors from the USTFCCCA as they were cited as a 2010 NCAA Division III Scholar-Athlete Team.

Men's Golf:

Gator of the Year: Ian Pingelski (So., Cohoes, NY/Cohoes)

Named a team captain for the team, Ian excelled for the young Gators as they finished in third place in the program’s first Skyline Conference Championship. He finished in 13^th place a the two-day event, while adding number of key performances at the fall and spring tournaments.

Mr. Johnny on the Spot: Shane McGowan (Jr., Amsterdam, NY/Amsterdam)

Shane McGowan provided a spark for the Gators on the season with many clutch shots and performances as the Gators had their best season ever in the young team’s three seasons.

Team Leader Award: Nick Osowicki (Jr., Amsterdam, NY/Amsterdam)

Nick Osowicki was a leader for the men’s golf team on and off the course this past year, while also a number of impressive finishes to his 2010-2011 season. The medalist at the Sage Invitational after shooting a 76, he added a 13^th place finish at the Farmingdale Invitational and a 15^th place showing at the Skyline Conference Championships.

Women's Soccer

Gator of the Year: Sarah Briggs (Sr., Cohoes, NY/Cohoes)

Senior captain and veteran leader, Sarah Briggs led the Gators on and off the field this season and during her career. She finished the 2010 campaign with six points on two goals and two assists. She played in 63 games as a Gator and ranks seventh all-time in games played. She also racked up 15 career points during that time on four goals and seven assists. She was also very instrumental in Sage’s efforts to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer and helped the team with its “Pink Game” efforts.

Team Player of the Year: Brittany McDonald (Sr., Schenectady, NY/Schalmont)

A leader for the Gators in goal, Brittany McDonald capped her stellar career ranking among the league’s statistical leaders in several categories. She was one of the top goalies in the conference while wearing a Sage uniform as she had an .863 saves % with a 1.13 goals against average. In her two seasons with Sage, she played in 35 games in goal (No. 2), had 10 shutouts (No. 2), with 248 saves (No. 3), and also played in 3,022 minutes (No. 3), while racking up a 1.22 career GAA (No. 2).

Best All-Around Player: Nicole Killeen (Sr., Petersburgh, NY/Berlin Central)

A four-year letterwinner for Sage, Nicole Killeen enjoyed her best season on the pitch in 2010. She tallied the game-winning goal as Sage knocked off Old Westbury in the 2010 Skyline Conference regular-season finale. She also etched her name into Sage’s record book with her outstanding play. She finished with 20 points as a senior on nine goals and two assists. On her career, she had 22 goals, which is sixth on the career list, while her 50 career points stands in sixth place. She also added five game-winning goals in her time as a Gator.

Women's Tennis

Gator of the Year: Mackenzie Riley (So., Albany, NY/Albany)

Sage’s women’s tennis team’s sophomore co-captain Mackenzie Riley earned the honor after also garnering a spot on the 2010 Skyline Conference Women’s Tennis All-Star First Team. The Gator newcomer earned a spot on the first team after leading the squad with her play in both singles and doubles. In her first year at Sage, Riley tallied an impressive 9-1 record in singles play, including a 5-1 mark in Skyline Conference matches. Her .900 singles win percentage at first singles was second in the Skyline Conference this past fall, while 4-2 record at No. 1 doubles was third highest amongst the conference players. Overall, she went 5-5 in doubles play as well to help the team to a 5-7 record on the season.

Coaches’ Award: Kathryn Saulsbery (Sr., Colonie, NY/South Colonie Central)

A four-year letterwinner and a three-time team captain for Sage’s women’s tennis team, Kathryn Saulsbery excelled for Sage on and off the court with her play and leadership. This past fall, she joined an exclusive club in her final outing as member of Sage’s women’s tennis team. She finishes her career on the women’s team with a 51-42 record as a Gator. She is just the second women's tennis player in the history of the program to join the 50 win club. She joins the ranks of Sage Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, Elizabeth Lawrence Russillo (1998-2001). The two players belong to an exclusive club of women's tennis players at Sage as Lawrence Russillo combined for a record of 73-28 during her time at Sage and Saulsbery went 51-42.

Most Improved Player: Christina Kroder (So., Catskill, NY/Catskill)

A newcomer to the team this fall, Christina Kroder made dramatic improvements in her game this season. A competitor for Sage in doubles action, she won two of her last three doubles matches of the year and finished her first season with a 3-7 doubles record.

Women's Volleyball

Gator of the Year: Nicole Corbett (Sr., Greenbush, NY/Columbia)

As a senior on the 2010 team, Nicole Corbett led the team as a captain and helped the program earn its fourth straight Skyline Conference Tournament appearance. Along the way, she broke Sage’s career block record with 449 blocks. She also etched her name into several of Sage’s career and single-season records as well in her four years on the squad. She ranks third in blocks per game (0.97), fourth in kills (1,131), and sixth in kills per game (2.43).

She earned her fourth straight selection to the Skyline Conference All-Star First Team in 2010, becoming Sage’s first and only student-athlete to hold that distinction. Corbett finished 2010 with a team-high 226 kills with 71 blocks in 99 sets played with 30 starts. She also ranked seventh in the Skyline Conference in kills per set (2.27), while ranking fifth with her 0.72 blocks per set average.

Rookie of the Year: Joanie Cooney (Fr., Ballston Lake, NY/Shenendehowa)

The team’s rookie setter, Joanie Cooney led Sage with her 559 setting assists, which was fourth best in the Skyline as she averaged 5.66 per set. She connected for 206 digs and 59 kills in 99 sets played in her freshman campaign, while also positioning herself into the Sage single-season record book. Her season totals ranks No. 7 on the career list, while her 2010 season totals stand 10th best for assists. Named the Skyline Conference Rookie of the Week in early September, she also earned a pair of postings on the Skyline Conference Weekly Honor Roll.

Coaches’ Award: Cheryce Harvey (Sr., Utica, NY/Thomas R. Proctor)

A four-year letterwinner and a two-year starter, Cheryce Harvey had a strong senior season for Sage. She netted 85 kills with 25 service aces and 260 digs. Over her career, she played in 271 sets in 88 matches. She connected for 154 kills with 601 digs, 55 service aces and 51 blocks. She served the 2010 team as a co-captain and that leadership carried over as she served Sage’s SAAC as the 2010-2011 treasurer and was also a member of Sage’s Captains’ Council.

Women's Basketball

Gator of the Year: Chelsea Martin (Fr., Davenport, NY/Jefferson Central)

Sage’s rookie forward Chelsea Martin led the team and was saluted for her outstanding play as she was named to the All-Star Second Team for her efforts. She finished her campaign with a team-leading 11.2 ppg average. A starter in all 24 games, she led Sage with 268 points and ranks 12th in the league in scoring. She shot 78.7% from the line and added a 6.8 rpg average with 15 blocks. She ranks 13th in rebounding and 14th in blocked shots with a 0.63 per game average. Her single-season free throw percentage is among the single-season leaders at the No. 7 spot.

Over the course of her rookie season, Martin earned a spot on the Betty Abgott Invitational All-Tournament Team on opening weekend at Buffalo State College, while also earning three selections to the Skyline Conference Honor Roll as well as one selection as the Skyline Conference Rookie of the Week on December 13.

Game Changer: Kara Hackett (So., Peru, NY/Peru Central)

Sophomore Kara Hackett finished her second season at Sage with a 9.5 ppg and 7.8 rpg average in 20 games played with 19 starts. She provided the spark when needed in game to help Sage earn the program’s first Skyline Conference Tournament bid. In her two seasons with the squad, she has racked up 463 points, 345 rebounds, and 39 career blocks. She ranks fifth on the career block list and owns a 10.5 ppg career average. Hackett also ranked 17th in scoring in the Skyline Conference, while also ranking eighth in the league in rebounding. She was ninth with her 1.95 steals per game and an 0.85 blocks per game average.

Leadership Award: Elizabeth “Liz” Donk, (Sr., Phelps, NY/Midlakes)

Liz Donk finished her career in the No. 2 spot on Sage’s assist list with 297, including a team-best 97 this season. Her resume also includes ranking 11th in career games played (70), 9th in career free throws (145), and No. 13th in three-point baskets (24). On the 2010-11 season, she added a 4.3 ppg average in 24 starts. She ranks first in the league with her 1.54 assist to turnover ratio, while ranking sixth with her 4.04 assists per game average. Her 97 assists in a season tied her own mark for assists last season and stand fifth best for a season at Sage. She served the team as a floor general as the captain and provided leadership for the squad in her three seasons at Sage.

Men's Basketball

Gator of the Year: Dalton Austin-Michaud (Jr. Valatie, NY/Ichabod Crane)

Arriving at Sage in January, Dalton Austin-Michaud gave the Gators a spark that put the team in position for a possible Skyline Conference Tournament bid and helped Sage draw the No. 4 seed in the 2011 ECAC Upstate Men’s Basketball Championship. Over the course of the year, he earned three Skyline Conference Honor Roll postings and finished the season as the scoring per game leader with his 17.8 ppg. He netted 232 points on the season in 13 games played with five starts. He racked up his sixth double-double against Hobart as he finished with a personal-best 26 points in a Sage uniform against the Statesmen, while adding 12 rebounds. For the season, he added 112 rebounds, good enough for an 8.6 rpg average with a 59.2 FG%.

Mr. Consistency: Derick Faragon (Sr., Rotterdam Junction, NY/Schenectady)

A newcomer to Sage this year, Derick Faragon led the team with overall points scored (368), but finished tied for second on the team in ppg average (14.2). He surpassed the total point standard established last season at 351. He also led the Gators with his 179 rebounds, good enough for a 6.9 rpg average with 30.1 minutes a game. He started 25 of 26 games played and had a 35.4 3FG% (34-96) on the season. He added six double-doubles on the season.

Coaches’ Award: Ryan Sager (So., Stuyvesant, NY/Ichabod Crane)

Sophomore Ryan Sager led the Skyline Conference and Sage with his accurate shot. He owns a 57.7 FG% (90-156), while averaging 8.7 ppg in his debut as a Gator. He also averaged 5.7 rpg and started 19 of 25 games played and was a performer the Sage coaching staff felt did whatever it took to help bring the program to the next level with his commitment and devotion to the program.

Men's Volleyball

Gator of the Year: Spencer Hilland (Jr., Slingerlands, NY/Bethlehem Central)

Spencer Hilland finished his season with Sage as a Skyline Conference All-Star First Team player as a middle hitter. He was also ranked nationally in three categories, 14^th in kills per set (3.75), 14th in blocks per set (0.95), and 48^th in hitting (.255 attack percentage). He was named to the Skyline Conference Honor Roll once, and finished the season with a team-best 240 kills, good enough for a 3.69 per set average with a .255 attack percentage. He finished second on the team with 61 total blocks, while adding 102 digs and 14 serving aces. He led the Gators with his 296 points and 4.55 points per set average despite missing two weeks with an injury on the season. He was named the Skyline Conference Player of the Week and the NECVA Skyline Conference Player of the Week twice, while also earning a spot on the Skyline Conference Honor Roll another week. He opened his Sage career with a selection to the 2011 SUNY-IT Wildcat Invitational All-Tournament Team in January.

Rookie of the Year: Matt Bynon (Fr., Burnt Hills, NY/Burnt Hills)

A newcomer for the Gators, Matt Bynon was not only Sage’s Rookie of the Year, but was also selected by the Skyline Conference as the Rookie of the Year. The defensive specialist not only led the league, but the nation in digs with an average of 4.19 per game. Over the course of the season, he garnered Skyline Rookie of the Week honors on March 7 and NECVA Skyline Conference Rookie of the Week status the same week as well as an All-Tournament distinction at the Bard Invitational on February 25-26. He wraps 2011 with a team-best 373 digs, good enough for a 4.19 digs per set average. He added a .962 reception percentage on the season with 89 sets played in 26 matches.

Most Improved Player: Connor Thompson (Fr., Delmar, NY/Christian Brothers Academy)

Another newcomer to volleyball, Connor Thompson improved over the course of the season and by year’s end had earned Skyline Conference and NEVCA Skyline Conference Rookie of the Week honors for his play. The middle hitter racked up a team-best 74 blocks, good enough for a 0.86 blocks per set average. He played in 86 sets over the course of 25 matches and finished with 106 kills, 19 digs, and 153.5 points.

Softball

Gator of the Year: Kelsey Newberg (So., New Britain, CT/New Britain)

Sophomore pitcher and utility player, Kelsey Newberg had her run at Sage’s single-season strikeout record cut short with the cancelations. She finishes her first season as a Gator with the No. 2 spot having fanned 68 batters in 2011. She fell just five shy of surpassing the record held by Maria DeNovio (72, 2004). Newberg is also in the No. 8 spot on the career strikeout list after just one season, which is 147. Overall on the 2011 season, she went 4-8 with a 3.99 ERA in 14 appearances with eight complete games and 86.0 IP. She also ranked among the pitching leaders in the Skyline Conference in 2011 as she was seventh in strikeouts, eighth in innings pitched and ninth in ERA.

Rookie of the Year: Hillary Faas (Fr., East Greenbush, NY/Columbia)

Taking over as the team’s short stop Hillary Faas started all 27 games for Sage and finished as one of three players with 16 RBI’s on the season. She added a .358 batting average with six doubles, a triple and three homeruns. She was named the Skyline Conference Rookie of the Week as the Gators had a banner 8-0 week and she batted .500 during the stretch.

Coaches’ Award: Rachel Smith (Jr., Valatie, NY/Ichabod Crane)

A junior pitcher and utility performer, Rachel Smith came to Sage this season was the player that said “whatever you need coach.” She went 3-4 on the mound with a 4.32 ERA and 32 K’s, while adding a .343 average at the plate. She had her first home run as the Gators had a win over MCLA. She added 14 RBIs this past year with 24 hits.

Men's Tennis

Gator of the Year: Joshua Hewitt (Jr., Albany, NY/Green Hope)

A returning leader and veteran on the men’s tennis team, Joshua Hewitt provided the very young Gators with depth and knowledge of the game though his example. His contributions to the program cannot be measured in wins and losses, but were valued by the team and the coaching staff. He added an 0-6 record in doubles action this season and became the program’s first three-time letterwinner in men’s tennis and was voted the Most Improved player on the team as a sophomore in 2010.

Coaches’ Award: Jaret Falkowitz (So., Scotia, NY/Burtn Hills Ballston Lake)

Sophomore Jaret Falkowitz added an 0-11 record in the singles lineup as a newcomer to the sport. He went 2-9 to lead the Gators in doubles wins this spring and displayed leadership and maturity for the team.

Most Improved Player: Chris Buskey (Jr., Schenectady, NY/Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons)

Junior Chris Buskey was another of the men’s tennis team’s newcomers this year. He finished his singles action with an 0-11 mark, while adding a 1-10 effort in doubles play, but along the way made dramatic improvement in his play and knowledge of the sport.

Women's Lacrosse

Gator of the Year: Ginelle Butler (Jr., Malta, NY/Ballston Spa)

Junior midfielder Ginelle Butler finished the 2011 season as the top scorer, having tallied a personal-best 14 goals. She added 12 draw controls and 18 ground ball pickups. She continues to add to her Sage career scoring and total point records as she has 34 points and 30 goals. She has also played in more games than any other player as she now has 32 appearances to her credit in the three seasons of varsity competition for the Gators.

Most Improved Player: Sarah Carciobolo (Jr., Niskayuna, NY/Colonie)

A newcomer to the sport, Sarah Carciobolo took her knowledge of basketball and retooled her skills for the lacrosse field. She had one goal on the season, while adding to the team’s success with her good stick skills and continued development as a player.

Best Defensive Player: Jen Poulin (So., Walton, NY/Walton Central)

A newcomer in women’s lacrosse, Jen Poulin used her athletic ability to be a spark for the Gators on defense. Missing the last game of the season with an injury, she started every game and tallied 11 ground ball pickups with three draw controls and three caused turnovers.