SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Nov. 29, 2010) – Mount Holyoke College field hockey player Stephanie Slysz has been named to the womensfieldhockey.com All-Rookie Squad as a result of her outstanding play this fall. The first year was one of just 16 players from around the country to be selected to the team. Earlier this month, she was voted to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-Region Second Team.

Slysz made an immediate impact on the Mount Holyoke program during her rookie campaign. After a slow start to her collegiate career, the forward erupted for seven goals during the month of October. Over the course of the season, she totaled eight goals and four assists. Slysz recorded points in each of her team's final eight regular season contests. Over that time, the Lyons went 7-1 and closed out the regular season with six straight victories. She knocked in clinching goals in her team's 2-1 win over Nichols College (10/5) and their thrilling 3-2 overtime triumph over Clark University (10/23).

The forward routinely dodges multiple defenders in a row with her outstanding one on one moves. In addition to having excellent vision, she is unselfish, smart, fast and has the ability to draw frequent corners. Slysz was selected to the womensfieldhockey.com national honor roll for the weeks of October 11-17 and 18-24. She was also named NEWMAC Player of the Week for the week of October 18-24.

Mount Holyoke closed out its 2010 campaign with an overall record of 11-6 and a league mark of 5-3. The Lyons suffered a heartbreaking 4-2 setback to Springfield College in the Quarterfinal Round of the NEWMAC Tournament. Their 11 wins were their most since the 2005 season, when they prevailed 14 times.

National All-Rookie Squad
Caitlin Baker, Mary Washington University
Kelly Blackhurst, Skidmore College
Sarah Duncan, Trinity College
Jessica Jaindl, Eastern University
Maria Karidas, Gwynedd-Mercy College
Gina Kellett, Messiah College
Olivia King, Bowdoin College
Madison Leone, Wesley College
Morgan Lockwood, Babson College
Bridget McGovern, SUNY Geneseo
Kathleen Notos, The College of New Jersey
Josie Rey, The College of Wooster
Brooke Sands, Messiah College
Katlyn Simula, Keene State College
Stephanie Slysz, Mount Holyoke College
Kayleigh Stewart, Messiah College