FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 9, 2000

CHICO HONORED AS NEC FIELD HOCKEY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Monmouth University sophomore Gina Chico (Williamstown, N.J./Williamstown) was honored as the Northeast Conference Field Hockey Player of the Week for her clutch performances in Monmouth’s two one-goal victories last weekend as the league announced its award winners for the sixth week of the fall.

Chico scored five of Monmouth’s seven goals last weekend as the Hawks clinched a share of their first-ever Northeast Conference regular season title. Chico banged in two goals in a 3-2 win over Sacred Heart on Saturday. On Sunday, Chico registered her first career hat trick to pace the Hawks’ offense in a 4-3 triumph over defending league champion Quinnipiac. Her five goals gave her 16 on the season as she eclipsed the school and NEC single-season records for goals in a season. She has also equaled the league mark for points in season with 33.

Monmouth is currently 8-7 overall and 7-1 in league action. The Hawks enjoy a two-game lead over Rider University. The two squads will face off Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in Lawrenceville, N.J. A victory by Monmouth would give them outright possession of the league’s regular-season championship. Monmouth’s eight victories on the season equals the program’s high-water mark set last season when the Hawks posted an 8-11 record.

Monday marked the third time this season that a Hawk has earned Northeast Conference Player of the Week honors. Chico was recognized on Sept. 5 for her outstanding effort in the opening week of the season. Teammate Kellie Nurko (Robbinsville, N.J./Allentown) earned the accolade on Sept. 25.