Feb. 27, 2008

FAIRFIELD, CT - For the first time in Pioneer fencing history, a Sacred Heart fencer has been named the North East Womens Intercollegiate Fencing Associaiton Fencer of the Year. This prestigious achievement goes to freshmen saber fencer Anna Hanley who finished the season with a 36-3 record and had the most victories of any fencer in the conference.

"We are so proud of what Anna has accomplished this year," comments Head Coach Dr. Tom Vrabel. "To earn an honor such as this, consistent excellence in performance is critical. It is so easy to have a brief lapse in concentration result in unforseen losses. Anna's focus and determination was outstanding this year and this superb achievement was the result."

In addition to Hanley's achievement, she was closely followed by fellow saber fencer and Team Captain Krista Bacci, who with Hanley also earned first team All-League honors. Bacci finshed just one win behind Hanley with a 35-4 mark.

"Our two fencers were the dominant fencers in the league this year," said Vrabel. "They are both accomplished athletes with great abilities to focus and consistently perform at a very high level. If Krista had only one more win she would have shared the fencer of the year award with Anna. With them both being underclassmen, they should be a serious duo in Northeast saber for the next two seasons".

Bacci also earned first team status last season as a freshman.

Rounding out the Pioneer's trio of All-League selections is freshman foilist JoAnne Siskidis, who is a second team selection.

"Jo had a great first season and really took off in the second half of the year," said Vrabel. "It was tougher for Jo in foil because she was the only woman foilist on the team with her level of experience and accomplishment. She not only fenced well but was a great leader and mentor for the rest of the foil squad. I expect her to continue to improve and possibly dominate next season as a sophomore."