May 19, 2005

FAIRFIELD, CT (May 19, 2005) - The Northeast Conference announced the 2005 men and women's awards and all-conference teams Tuesday afternoon with Sacred Heart freshman Jared Dye (Bridgeport, CT) taking home league Rookie of the Year honors. In addition, three men and three women earned All-NEC second team honors.

Unlimited potential is an apt description for Dye, who emerged as a legitimate force for Sacred Heart as a freshman. Dye took over at the #1 singles flight for the Pioneers, and despite his 6-14 overall record and 3-4 slate in the NEC, the Bridgeport, CT native took FDU's Wynne to the limit in a three-set match during the regular season, then had a competitive match with the NEC Player of the Year halted during the NEC Tournament.

Sacred Heart junior Peter George (Lynnfield, MA) is the only repeat second team honoree, this time at #2 singles following his selection at the #4 flight a year ago. George's year concluded with a 10-8 mark and he went 5-2 on the conference circuit. Sophomore Kevin Guidicipietro's (Mountainside, NJ) selection at #6 singles rounded out the All-NEC second team. Guidicipietro posted a 9-7 record and went 6-1 in league play, including a pair of straight set triumphs in the NEC Tournament.

George teamed up with senior Alex Kantarelis (Worcester, MA) at #2 doubles to claim second team accolades for a second straight season. After honing their skills as #3 flight all-stars in 2003-04, the duo moved up a notch, but still finished 10-5 overall and 5-2 within the conference.

At the #2 spot for the women, Sacred Heart sophomore Pam Pillo (Shelton, CT) earned the nod from league head coaches following a 16-5 campaign that included a pair of wins in the NEC Tournament and a 4-2 mark against league rivals. She was also a two-time NEC Player of the Week.

The Pioneers captured second team plaudits at the #3 flight with the pairing of senior Katelyn Kittredge (Medfield, MA) and junior Lissa Von Brecht (Cumberland Foreside, ME). The two veteran players teamed up to go 7-7 this past season and were triumphant in two of their three league outings. Kittredge and Von Brecht were also named NEC co-Players of the Week back in September for their performance at the Fairfield Doubles Festival.