May 3, 2009

MERION STATION, Pa.--The Saint Joseph's women's lacrosse team held its annual year-end awards banquet at the Haub Center at McShain Hall on Sunday evening. Head coach Denise Roessler presented the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year Awards as well as the Unsung Hero and Coaches' Awards.

Seniors Helene Tursi was bestowed with the Offensive Player of the Year Award. The senior midfielder was a Atlantic 10 First Team selection as well as a member of the A-10 All-Championship Team, who set new career highs in goals and points during her senior campaign.

Fellow classmate Meghan Cullinan was introduced as the Defensive Player of the Year. Her on-the-field leadership qualities as well as a spot on the A-10 All-Championship Team were contributing factors to the team's success in 2009 that ranked 11th in scoring defense and fifth in the nation in caused turnovers.

Junior attacker Jenna Martino was presented as the team's prestigious Coaches' Award at Sunday's banquet. Martino set new single-season records for goals, points and shots in 2009. She was also a member of the Atlantic 10 First Team and A-10 All-Championship Team.

Sophomore defender Christine Readinger earned the Unsung Hero Award. A 2007 A-10 Rookie Team Selection, Readinger was a member of the Atlantic 10 All-Academic team as the only sophomore. Along with Cullinan, she was a member of the top-ranked defense in the country. This was the first time the Unsung Hero Award was given to a women's lacrosse student-athlete.

The Hawks wrapped up it season at 10-8 overall, the most wins in team history as well as the school's first appearance in the Atlantic 10 Championship Final. SJU finished tied for second in the A-10 with a program-best 5-2 record.