University of Massachusets Athletics
Women's Lacrosse Puts Four On All-Conference Team
May 01, 2003 | Women's Lacrosse
May 1, 2003
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Four University of Massachusetts women's lacrosse players were selected to the Atlantic 10 Women's Lacrosse All-Conference Team as announced by the A-10 on Thursday. Senior Kelli Kurtz (Schwenksville, Pa.) was named the A-10 Defensive Player of the Year, while seniors Cyndi Doyle (Bridgewater, Vt.) and Jada Emery (Princeton, N.J.) and sophomore Kristin St. Hilaire (Syracuse, N.Y.) were all selected to the 16-player all-conference team.
Kurtz received the Defensive Player of the Year honors after anchoring the UMass defense, which ranks 10th nationally in scoring defense after allowing just 7.63 goals per game. Kurtz has recorded 24 ground balls, 19 caused turnovers and 23 draw controls so far this season.
"Kelli (Kurtz) has been our mark-up player on defense," UMass Head Coach Carrie Bolduc said. "She has helped lead the defensive unit to a No. 10 national ranking in scoring defense."
St. Hilaire has also played a key role on UMass' defensive unit. Entering postseason play, St. Hilaire has tallied 26 ground balls, 17 caused turnovers and 21 draw controls. This is the second straight year the sophomore has been selected to the all-conference team.
"Kristin (St. Hilaire) has consistently been a key member of our defense," said Bolduc. "She has a great work ethic and is smart, especially on defense."
Capping off UMass' defensive selections to the all-conference team is Doyle. As the Minutewomen's top goalkeeper, Doyle has posted a conference-best 7.68 overall goals against average, a mark that ranks her 11th nationally. While tallying a 10-6 record the senior has recorded a .526 save percentage.
"Cyndi (Doyle) has continued to become a more sophisticated goalkeeper throughout this season," said Bolduc. "Her versatility makes her and the defense extremely tough to score on."
Representing UMass' offensive unit on the all-conference team is Emery. This season the senior has recorded 30 goals and six assists, giving her 36 points on the season. She now has 80 career goals, a mark that places her 10th in UMass' all-time charts.
"Jada (Emery) has consistently been a threat in the midfield and on offense," said Bolduc. "Her work ethic and mentality is why she has excelled this season."
Temple's Deanna Radcliffe was named the Offensive Player of the Year and Duquesne's Kelly Mulford was selected as the Rookie of the Year. Tony Zostant of St. Bonaventure was voted as the conference's Coach of the Year.
Temple led all schools with five all-conference selections while UMass was second with four. Richmond, St. Bonaventure and Duquesne each had two players selected while La Salle added one.
