Jessica Loose Named NEC Women's Tennis Scholar-Athlete

6/14/06 -- Long Island senior Jessica Loose (Schessel, Germany) is the recipient of the Northeast Conference Valley National Bank Scholar-Athlete award in women’s tennis as announced by the league office today. A Media Arts major, Loose carries a 3.49 grade point average.

A transfer from Eastern Michigan University, Loose was tabbed the 2006 NEC Player of the Year and earned first team all-conference honors after posting a perfect 6-0 record against league competition. She was one of just three league players to go undefeated in conference play and picked up two NEC Tournament victories, including a 6-4, 6-0 win over Quinnipiac’s Gabby Pasternak- the 2005 NEC Player of the Year.

Loose went 16-11 overall, competing at the #1 singles flight for the Blackbirds. Loose was also recognized at #1 doubles along with partner Krystina Bachner (Penfield, N.Y.), earning second team All-NEC honors. The duo combined to go 6-0, including five wins against league rivals.

Loose’s arrival in downtown Brooklyn coincided with LIU’s emergence as an NEC title contender. The Blackbirds dropped a 4-3 decision to Quinnipiac in a four hour, 50 minute championship match classic.