April 24, 2008

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -The Atlantic 10 Conference announced its All-Conference teams today, which included six Hawks on the respective teams. Jenna Martino was the lone SJU representative on the First Team, while Christina Colangelo, Lindsey-Kate McCool and Suzy Herlihy earned Second Team honors. Christine Readinger was tabbed on the A-10 Rookie Team, while Colangelo and Jessica Westlake landed on the All-Academic squads.

Martino, a sophomore out of Oceanport, N.J. and Shore Regional High, led the team in scoring (45) and points (53), became the first Saint Joseph's player since 2004 to earn All-Conference First Team honors. That year, Courtney Huff and Kristin Teklinsky were on the squad.

In addition to Martino's appointment, seniors Christina Colangelo (Mt. Laurel, N.J/Lenape), Lindsey-Kate McCool (Marlton, N.J./Cherokee), and junior goalkeeper Suzy Herlihy (Clarksville, Md./River Hill) all landed on the second team. With the appointments, four Hawks were named to All-Conference honors for the first time in history (two were on the 2004 squad).

Additionally, Colangelo was named to the Academic All-Conference contingent with teammate Jessica Westlake (Lumberton, N.J./Holy Cross), which was voted on by the league institution's sports information directors. Westlake held the team's highest GPA this season and knocked home 13 goals for the Hawks, while pulling down a team high 47 draw controls.

Colangelo tallied 34 goals, second best for SJU this season, in a career season. McCool dished 21 assists, and leaves as the career leader in ground balls and second in assists. Both Colangelo and McCool exit Hawk Hill as the career leaders in games played with 63, all starts for the duo.

Herlihy, also on the Second Team All-Conference, was strong in the cage again this season, helping to lead Saint Joseph's from the defense. She made 154 saves and owned a .502 save percentage, 9.46 goals against average this season.

Christine Readinger was the sole SJU athlete to earn All-Rookie honors. The freshman from Narberth, Pa. and Archbishop Carroll High started every game in defense and was an aggressive back for the Hawks. She caused 13 turnovers and picked up 20 ground balls in her first campaign on Finnesey Field. Readinger is the third straight Hawk after Martino and Westlake to be on the A-10 Rookie Team.

The 2008 season marks the most accolades ever won by an SJU women's lacrosse team. The team finished 7-9 overall and 2-5 in Atlantic 10 play. They lose four starters, but return four of their top scorers for 2009, as well as its entire defensive line.