It is always tough to say goodbye, but at the end of every season, Fairfield’s senior athletes graduate from their respective teams and many from the sports that they have grown up with. This semester, Stags seniors won everything from individual “Player of the Week” awards to a MAAC Championship, and left behind a unique legacy in Fairfield sports history.
After one of the most exciting fall seasons in recent history, women’s and men’s soccer, volleyball, field hockey and cross country all will be moving on without their seniors, many of them captains and major impact players to each of their teams.
In the four sports, a total of 21 seniors will garduate, leaving a lasting impression on their sport and Fairfield University.
Women’s Soccer
After a miracle upset of first ranked Niagara, the women won the MAAC Championship and went up against No.10 Duke in the NCAA Tournament. Though they lost a hard-fought effort, the team could be proud of not only a MAAC Championship, but an overall successful season. A big part of their success came from the senior leadership and veteran performances over the season. “The seniors wanted to finish out on a high note and they did,” said Head Coach Jim ‘O Brien, “They led by example…were positive and supporting and excellent role models.” Shannon Helm was third on the team while Megan Mones, a returning senior, served as a co-captain and maintained stellar defense all season long. Katie Ely had an accomplished career and was an effective back up to starting goalie Brett Maron. Jessica Stamos also had an effective career, being named to the MAAC All-Academic Team in 2004 and was always one of the team’s top defenders.
Men’s Soccer
Though the season ended on a tough note with a MAAC Championship loss to Marist, the team’s undefeated season in the MAAC and 12-game unbeaten streak will go down in the history books. The seniors were an essential part in the success of the team over the season. The Stag defense was led by goalkeeper Andrew Frankel, who earned six MAAC Player of the Week awards during the season and finished with six shutouts. Bill Androutsos led the offense finishing first on the team in points, with 11 goals and six assists. Ed Meyer was pivotal at midfield, recording one goal and one assist along with 14 shots. Joseph Dos Santos was another steady midfielder who recorded three goals and five assists and played in every game during the season. Robert Miller worked through the ranks during his career as a reserve, which began at Fairfield as a successful Fairfield Prep player. Armand Dikranian was another hard working player who was an asset on and off the field during his four year career and recorded his first goal this season.
Volleyball
Despite losing in the MAAC Championship to Siena, the women had an overall successful season filled with personal accomplishments, especially from the seniors, who led the team to the regular season conference title. Lauren Laramore became the all-time digs leader for Fairfield with 1,612 in her career. Alex Fox posted 84 block assists, to move into sixth best in school history. Casey Machon also had a stellar career, with 264 total career blocks, to finish as fifth all-time. “I believe that they have each has had a different affect on our returning players as each senior has their own personality,” said Head Coach Jeff Werneke. “This allows them to affect other players in their own way leaving an impression and stamp on the program.”
Field Hockey
It was a hard-fought year for the women as they worked their way into a spot at the NEC Tournament and almost upset top-seeded Rider University. Though it was a bit of a rebuilding year, the young team saw some great contributions from their two lone senior players. Kelly Rath was second on the team in scoring with 17 points. Rebecca Odenwaelder also contributed in scoring with 14 points, fifth on the team. “My experience with Fairfield athletes has always been great,” said Rath, “Some of the people I’ve met playing sports here turned out to be my best friends.”
Cross Country
Cross country will be bidding farewell to five seniors this season, each of whom had an impact during their final season. For the men, A.J. Kastanotis finished second on the team at the MAAC Championships. Devin Hagen also ran well to help the team, as he has throughout his career. The women had solid performances this season from their seniors as well. Kara O’ Connell led the team at the MAAC’s and then set a personal record at the NCAA Northeast Regional to again lead the team. At the ECAC/IC4A Championships, O’Connell led the Stags with a 20:29.5, one of the best times in school history. Shannon Kenefick finished third on the team at the MAAC’s and fifth on the team at the ECAC/IC4. Maryellen Pribish took fourth on the team at the MAAC’s and ended her career finishing third at the ECAC/IC4.
Throughout their careers, the senior Stag athletes have been dedicated not only to their fellow students and athletes, but their University. Though they will never be in the red and white again, their impacts will last long through the players and coaches they touched and the efforts they left on the field and court.
“My experience with Fairfield athletes has always been great,” said Rath.”There is an understanding you have with one another when you walk by someone with a bag of ice or a black eye.”
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