Athletes honored at annual banquet

The Fairfield Athletic Department held its annual awards banquet on Sunday to celebrate a successful athletic year and to honor the achievements of individual athletes.

Every student athlete was invited to the dinner to receive an award for their participation and efforts. With the exception of the football and hockey teams, each team was represented by a majority of its members.

Ellen Sarosy, ’03, and Erin Heslin, ’03, were named Co-Female Athletes of the Year for their outstanding athletic performances. Sarosy, a four year starting centerfielder on the softball team, became the school’s all time hit leader and currently has a .378 batting average. Heslin, has been Fairfield’s No. 1 cross country runner since her freshman year. She finished ninth at the MAAC Tournament and holds the school’s 5k record.

Deng Gai received Male Athlete of the Year after leading the men’s basketball team to a National Invitation Tournament (NIT) appearance. Gai earned MAAC Defensive Player of the Year, All MAAC First Team and led the Stags’ scoring with 12.9 points per game.

“I wasn’t expecting the award. I just went to enjoy the dinner,” Gai said. “We had a good year, finishing second [in the MAAC]. I helped the team with defense. Next year I think we can come back and do better, and win the MAAC.”

Field hockey forward, Liz Croney, ’03, earned Female Scholar Athlete of the Year. Croney. Kris Klein, ’03, and Matthew Giugliano, ’03, both received Male Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Female Freshman of the Year went to lacrosse player Beth Loffredo. Loffredo scored 45 goals and also earned MAAC Rookie of the Year. Soccer player, Edwin Meyer, received Male Freshman of the Year. Meyer started all 18 games for the Stags.

The Arthur Ashe Tennis awards are presented to a male and female tennis player who best exemplifies the role model characteristics of Arthur Ashe. This year’s recipients were Alyssa Haddad and Mike Pignataro.

Dani Brown, ’03, a member of the field hockey team, earned the William Wallin Memorial Award for her character and sportsmanship on and off the field.