Nov. 20, 2008

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - Senior Alex Malatesta, junior Megan Thompson and freshman Katelin Peterson were named to the Atlantic 10 All-Conference First-Team with Peterson earning conference Rookie of the Year honors.

Juniors Sarah Blythe-Wood and Becca Weaver were named to the All-Conference Second-Team, while Peterson and freshman Emily Straniero were named to the conference's All-Rookie Team.

"When a good portion of your team receives All-Conference, All Tournament, and All-Rookie team honors, it is a great testament to the positive direction you are headed," Richmond head coach Gina Lucido said. "The mix of defenders, Becca Weaver, Emily Straniero, combined by midfielders Alex Malatesta, Sarah Blythe-Wood, and forwards Megan Thompson, Katelin Peterson showcase the depth and strength of team play. Truly these young women play for the good of the team over personal accolades, so it's always exciting to see their selfless commitment come back to reward them personally."

Malatesta scored five goals and led the team with eight assists for 18 points as a midfielder. She finished her career with 54 points, which ranks 11th in school history. Her 21 goals also ranks 11th on the career goals list.

Thompson and Peterson tied for the team lead in goals with 12 and tied for the Atlantic 10 lead in points with 29.

Thompson scored four game-winning goals this season and now has 25 career goals, which ranks ninth on the career list. Her 58 career points ranks 10th on Richmond's all-time scoring list.

Peterson was named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week four times and Player of the Week once. She tied a school record with four goals in a win over West Chester.

Blythe-Wood was third on the team in goals with seven and tied for second on the team with five assists. She was third on the team with 19 points and had three game-winning goals this season.

Senior captain Becca Weaver was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second-Team.

Weaver was a three-year starter in goalkeeper for the Spiders, finishing her career with 257 saves. Her career goals against average of 3.00 ranks third on the Spiders' all-time list.

"I have great respect for senior team captain Becca Weaver and the leadership she exemplified during a taxing out of conference schedule," Lucido said. "She epitomized the commitment towards the advancement of the program over her personal recognition in her final season of play. Becca's excellent character leaves a lasting imprint on this program."

Straniero played in 14 games as a freshman and was a key force in a defense that allowed only eight goals in six conference games.

The Spiders finished the season 10-11 overall and 5-1 in the Atlantic 10, placing second during the regular season and reaching the Atlantic 10 Championship game.