Vassar Today

Sports Update

Jennings Resigns Post

Andy Jennings, who has served as director of athletics since 1991, is leaving administration to once again coach the Vassar men's soccer team he built into a regional power in the 1980s. He will also remain as the women's golf coach. Sharon Beverly, currently associate director of athletics, will serve as interim director, beginning July 1, 2004.

"The enhancements to the athletics program have been a critically important initiative for Vassar, and the key to our success has been the amazing support we've received from the college," Jennings said. "The last 13 years have been an incredible professional experience for me."

 

Johnson jumps to hit a volleyball
Johnson jumps to hit a volleyball

Johnson Sets School Record

Senior McKenzie Johnson was named to the Academic All-America Women's Volleyball All-District Team. She became just the third Vassar student-athlete to receive the honor, joining former men's volleyball player David Paine '02 and men's cross country runner Steve Money '03.

Johnson was named to the UCAA All-Conference Team four years running and led the Brewers to their third straight conference title. She also has been named to the NYSWCAA All-Conference Team as well as to the UCAA All-Academic Team.

Johnson leaves Vassar second in career kills (1,453) and tops in digs (1,366). Her 471-kill effort in 2003 was a school-best. She was named UCAA Player of the Year, while sophomore Anita Stavin and junior Nani Loui were named to the All-Conference Team.

 

a woman is mid-swing, about to hit a tennis ball
a woman is mid-swing, about to hit a tennis ball

Nationally Ranked Tennis Team Defends UCAA, NYSWCAA Titles

The women's tennis team repeated as both UCAA and NYSWCAA Champions. Senior Diya Uberoi was named to the UCAA All-Conference Team, while freshman Debbie Sharnak (above) was named Rookie of the Year.

"Capturing both the UCAA Conference and the New York State Championship titles for two consecutive years is a reflection of our players' ability to compete and of their dedication and tremendous work ethic," coach Kathy Campbell said. The Brewers are ranked 29th in the nation in the latest ITA Division III poll.

Men's Soccer Team Shocks Nationally Ranked Foes

The men's soccer team defeated top-five-ranked St. Lawrence for the second season in a row. The Brewers are the only team to defeat the Saints in conference play.

Vassar also defeated then-24th-ranked Merchant Marines earlier in the season. The team accumulated 10 wins and were selected to the ECAC post-season.

Senior Paul Connors set a career school-record .96 goals-against average, while junior Aldis Butler tied for a season second-best in goals (15) and points (35). Butler, Connors, senior Joseph Petruccelli, and sophomore Nate Malinowski were named to the UCAA All-Conference Team. Vassar finished fifth in the UCAA with a 3-3-1 record.

— Casey Hager, director of sports information


Season Stats

Men's & Women's Cross Country
Fourth, UCAA Championship

The men's and women's teams finished fourth at the UCAA Championships. Junior Avi Kramer took the individual championship, while freshman Leigh McCallen was ninth for the women. They were both named to the All-Conference Team.

Field Hockey (3-13 overall, 1-6 UCAA)

Senior Maureen Kenealy set school records for assists in a season (9), in a career (12), and defensive saves in a career (52). She was named to the NYSCAA All-Conference Team.

Women's Golf

The Brewers competed as a varsity team for the first time this fall, participating in three tournaments

Men's & Women's Rowing

The men's varsity eight finished 11th at the Head of the Connecticut, while the women finished third out of five schools at the Seven Sisters Championships. The varsity eight was impressive at the Head of the Charles with a 12th-place finish.

Men's Rugby (7-4 overall, 7-1 Metro NY)

Vassar won the Metro New York Championship with a 25-18 victory over Seton Hall. The Brewers were led by junior Frank Sharpe's nine tries.

Women's Rugby (7-3 overall, 7-1 Metro NY)

Senior Larkin Sealy racked up an impressive 23 tries as Vassar advanced to the Metro New York Championship match.

Women's Soccer (3-13, 1-6 UCAA)

Senior forward Lindsey Pilver finished her career tied for fourth in career goals (24), and seventh in points (52). Vassar received the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Team Academic Award placing 12th in the nation with a grade point average of 3.49.

Men's Tennis (0-3)

Vassar took fourth overall at the ECAC North Championship. Junior John Liszewski picked up a pair of wins at the ITA Championship.