O'Connor, Andreano and Hanson Named to Women's Soccer All-Northeast Conference First Team; Blake Earns Second Team Honors

11/2/06 -- Long Island University women's soccer seniors Ashley O'Connor (Venetia, Pa.) and Allison Andreano (Denville, N.J.) and freshman Aly Hanson (New Milford, N.J.) were selected to the first team All-Northeast Conference in balloting conducted by league head coaches and released Thursday evening. Junior defender Catie Blake (Southbridge, Mass.) was named to the league’s second squad.

A four-year starter, O'Connor has spearheaded the league's best defensive team over the past two seasons. This year, the Blackbirds have allowed only three goals over their nine conference contests. A season ago, O'Connor helped LIU set a school record by allowing 15 goals over 21 games.

A second team all-conference selection a season ago, Andreano has been a stalwart at the central midfield position during her career. The school's all-time leader in assists with 18, Andreano has tallied four goals and four helpers this season to move her into fifth place on the all-time points scored list.

Despite starting only eight games all season and none in conference, Hanson tied for second in the conference with eight goals. The speedy freshman has accounted for three game-winners, including the lone goal in the 43rd minute against second-seeded Monmouth on Oct. 28 to help lift LIU to the top seed this weekend.

Blake earns her first all-conference honor this season after starting 18-of-19 games in the back. Her ability to win balls in the air has been key to Long Island's defense over the past two seasons.

The Blackbirds begin postseason play on Friday, Nov. 3 at home against Sacred Heart in a Northeast Conference tournament semifinal match. The game is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and will be followed by the second semifinal matchup, pitting No. 3 Central Connecticut State against No. 2 Monmouth at 1:30 p.m.