May 28, 2010
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Two members of the Penn State women's lacrosse team, senior Theresa Bucci (Hudson, Ohio) and junior Maggie Dunbar (Cockeysville, Md.), have been recognized by the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) with All-Midwest Region First Team honors. The pair of Nittany Lion midfielders is now eligible for inclusion on the IWLCA All-American team, which will be announced on Mon., May 31.
A First Team All-ALC honoree in 2010 after earning second team honors as sophomore and junior, Bucci enjoyed her finest season as a Nittany Lion in her senior year, setting career highs in goals (30), assists (7), and points (37). With two goals in the regular season finale against Temple, she became the first Nittany Lion to reach the 30-goal benchmark since 2006. A starter of 14 games, missing two due to a broken nose suffered mid-season, Bucci also contributed 16 draw controls, 14 ground balls, and nine caused turnovers. The 2010 team co-captain finished her career with 74 goals, 22 assists, and 96 points.
Maggie Dunbar made the successful transition from defense in 2010, emerging as a force in the midfield for Penn State. Making an impact on both ends of the field due to her versatility and aggressive playing style, she led the Nittany Lions in ground balls (38) and caused turnovers (19) and ranked second in draw controls (32). Providing another option on an already balanced PSU attack, Dunbar scored two goals and tallied a career-high nine assists.
Penn State finished 2010 with a 10-7 record, marking the first time since 2005 that a Nittany Lion team reached the 10-win plateau. The season was highlighted by wins over three ranked opponents and a third consecutive ALC Championship victory versus rival Ohio State. In addition to Bucci and Dunbar, junior defender Jackie Eastman (Springfield, Pa.) was also recognized with All-ALC honors, earning second team accolades.