Press Releases

October 7, 1997
It's All Academic: Lady Colonials Rank 9th in Nation Scholastically

2nd Postseason Honor for Southampton College Women?s Basketball Team

Contact: Joe Dionisio
(516) 287 8313
Fax: (516) 283 4081

Southampton, NY -- After enjoying the finest season in their 11-year history, the women's basketball team at Southampton College of Long Island University has received two postseason honors.

In their most recent accomplishment, the Lady Colonials were rated the nation's ninth-best academic team among Division II basketball programs in 1996-97.

The Women's Basketball Coaches Association announced its Top 25 academic rankings on Sept. 30. Southampton College finished with a 3.352 grade point average, not far behind top-ranked Washburn (Kansas) University at 3.608.

Senior Gina Lazaro and junior Kara McGoldrick tied for the team's highest GPA at 3.75, followed by Lithuanian freshman Evelyna Breivaite, who earned a 3.7.

In April, the Lady Colonials also won the 1996-97 Anderson Sportsmanship Award, given to the New York Collegiate Athletic Conference school which best displays "the true essence of sports and competition by its coaches and players." The team previously won the Anderson Award in 1994-95.

Head Coach Anthony Bozzella said being acknowledged for off-the-court performance is just as important as being noted for athletic success.

"Other than sportsmanship and academics, there are not two better things I would want my team to be recognized for," said Bozzella, who has a 61-51 record in his last four seasons. "Our players and coaches should be exceptionally proud of these honors."

Last season, Southampton went 17-13 (13-7 in NYCAC), tied a school record for wins, made its third straight playoff appearance, and gained its first-ever post-season wins, a NYCAC victory over Dowling, and an ECAC win over Sacred Heart.

The Lady Colonials' 1997-98 season begins Nov. 16 at American International. Their first home game is Wednesday, Dec. 10 vs. Dowling at 4 p.m.