Amanda Pape Tabbed NEC Rookie of the Year; Ed Swanson Named Coach of the Year
3/4/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
March 4, 2004
FAIRFIELD, CT (March 3, 2004) - Sacred Heart freshman Amanda Pape (Stamford, CT) was named 2003-04 Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year while head coach Ed Swanson was named NEC Coach of the Year after leading the Pioneers to a 20-7 season. Pape also earned a spot on the All-NEC second team and the All-NEC Rookie team for her standout play this year.
Pape, a seven-time NEC Rookie of the Week winner, did not play like a freshman this season, posting veteran-like numbers for Sacred Heart. The Stamford, CT native, who follows teammate Nicolle Rubino as the league's top rookie, ranks seventh in the conference in scoring (15.0 ppg), 10th in rebounding (6.2 rpg), eighth in field-goal percentage (49.6%) and second in steals (2.48 spg). On a roll as the Pioneers enter the NEC tournament, Pape has scored in double-figures in eight-straight games. She also impressed the NEC's coaches enough to earn all-NEC second-team.
Swanson receives his first Brenda Reilly NEC Coach of the Year award by pushing Sacred Heart to its best NEC record (14-4) and highest seed (No. 2) since the school joined the league and Division I in 1999. Sacred Heart's 20-7 overall record also matches the school's best mark, which was established in 1995-96 under Swanson's guidance. Earlier this season, the Sacred Heart alum, who has coached the Pioneer women since 1990, won his 200th career game, and enters the tournament with a 211-175 (.549) record over 14 years.
The Pioneers open play in the NEC Tournament tomorrow afternoon as they take on Long Island at 5:30 pm at Wagner College. The game can be hear live on WHRT 91.5 FM and on the internet through SacredHeartPioneers.com
For Full NEC Release click here
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