Long Island was rewarded for its return among the Northeast Conference elite as three of its newcomers -- Oskar Tilly, fellow sophomore David Schofield and freshman Jonas Stigh -- were named second-team All-NEC.

Tilly (Karlstad, Sweden) helped anchor a solid midfield and finished the season with seven goals, second best for the Blackbirds, and six assists for 20 points. A tenacious playmaker with great footwork, Tilly scored twice last weekend in the Northeast Conference Tournament.

Schofield (Preston, England) played through injury late this season at midfield and was one of LIU's most inspirational competitors. The Rio Grande (OH) transfer had a pair of assists last weekend and finished the campaign with 20 points, tied with Tilly for second on the team.

Stigh (Trollhatten, Sweden) was a brick wall on defense and was one of the conference's top sweepers. A intimidating presence for many opponents at 6-3, Stigh helped limit numerous offensive chances to make LIU a force for years to come.

The Blackbirds (8-7-4), picked to finish tied for seventh in the NEC, almost tripled last season's win total and advanced to the conference tournament for the first time since 1997. Playing without Stigh due to an accumulation of cards, their remarkable campaign ended in the NEC final with an agonizing 2-1 quadruple-overtime loss to Fairleigh Dickinson.