June 26, 2006

PHILADELPHIA - Facing one of the most demanding schedules in the nation, the Saint Joseph's University women's lacrosse team posted a 5-11 record for the 2006 season as several Hawks earned individual honors on the year.

Saint Joseph's jumped out to a 1-0 record as the Hawks opened the season with a 13-9 win over Wagner. Senior Kerry O'Connell and junior Kristina Jaggers foreshadowed what was to come as the duo combined for eight of the Hawks' 13 goals.

Following a three-game losing skid, Saint Joseph's righted the ship, winning three of its next four to move within a game of .500 (3-4). Over that stretch, the Hawks earned wins over Lafayette (11-6), Long Island (15-8) and a 13-10 victory in their A-10 opener versus La Salle.

Against the Explorers, O'Connell proved to be a major factor, scoring four goals, while rookie Jessica Westlake tallied three as Saint Joseph's opened Atlantic 10 play 1-0 for the first time in program history.

From there, the Hawks ran into the difficult part of its schedule as they dropped five straight, including a hard-fought loss at No. 1 Duke.

Saint Joseph's got back to its winning ways as it hosted rival Villanova The Hawks held off the wildcats and ran away with the lead in the second half as five O'Connell goals helped SJU to a 14-8 win.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, that would be the last win on the season as SJU fell at No. 11 Richmond before dropping a heart-breaking 13-10 decision to St. Bonaventure on senior day.

Individually, O'Connell, Westlake and sophomore Christina Colangelo each earned Atlantic 10 Postseason honors.

O'Connell, a co-captain for the 2006 season, was named to the A-10 All-Conference Second-Team with 43 goals, 10 assists and 52 points for the season. O'Connell ended her career on Hawk Hill ranked first in the A-10 in groundballs per game and ninth in the nation.

Westlake was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team for her first-year performance of 12 goals and 2 assists for 14 points. A fierce presence at midfield, Westlake is expected to continue to standout for the Hawks.

Representing the Hawks on the A-10 All-Academic Team was the midfielder Colangelo. A mathematics major, Colangelo boasts a 3.62 GPA and is a member of the Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll and the SJU Athletic Directors Honor Roll. She finished third on the team in groundballs with 42.