Oct. 6, 2003

Siena College freshman defender Lauren Mecchella (New City, N.Y./Clarkson South) has been selected NEC Field Hockey Rookie of the Week according to the conference's weekly release sent out this afternoon. Mecchella played a key role in Siena's conference victory over Monmouth on Sunday afternoon, as the Saints improved to 2-0 in NEC play.

The 5-5 New City, N.Y. native played all 84 minutes on defense, turning away many odd-man rushes by the Hawks. In the overtime period, she was one of just two defenders on the field as the lineups trimmed to seven. Mecchella has started all 10 games for the Saints this season and leads the team in defensive saves. After beginning the year 0-8, the Saints have been nearly flawless on defense since conference play began last week. In the two NEC wins, Siena has allowed just one goal in over 155 minutes of action.

Mecchella was a three-time All-Star selection by the Journal News at Clarkson South High School. She and the Saints return to conference action this Sunday at Rider.