Feb. 4, 2009
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Senior Kerry Shea (Baltimore, Md.) and junior Theresa Bucci (Hudson, Ohio), two key members of the Penn State midfield, have been named to the ALC Preseason All-Conference Team, the league office announced on Tuesday. In addition, the Nittany Lions were selected to place fourth in the ALC in 2009 by a vote of the conference coaches.
A team co-captain for the 2009 season, Shea is true midfielder who combines scoring ability with exceptional defensive skills. A two-time Second Team All-ALC and IWLCA All-Region honoree, she finished second on the team in goals (23) and points (29) and fourth in assists (6) and draw controls (18) in 2008. In 41 career games, Shea has totaled 60 goals and 14 assists.
A 2008 Second Team All-ALC selection, Bucci was one of eight Nittany Lions to start every game last season, finishing tied for third on the team in goals (16) and points (20). A dynamic and versatile midfielder, Bucci totaled 15 ground balls, 10 draw controls and 13 caused turnovers, good enough for second on the team. As a freshman, she played in 16 of 17 games, tallying nine goals and six assists.
Head coach Suzanne Isidor, in her ninth season at the helm of the Penn State program, returns 23 letterwinners and eight starters and has added a highly touted class of recruits for the 2009 season. The Nittany Lions begin play on Sun., Feb. 15 when they welcome Cornell to Happy Valley for a 1:00 p.m. exhibition contest, tentatively scheduled to be held indoors at Holuba Hall. Penn State kicks off regular season play three days later on Wed., Feb. 18 when it hosts Lafayette at 7 p.m.