NEW PALTZ — SUNY New Paltz freshman forward Michele Branca and senior defender Lindsey Reis were selected to the All-SUNYAC team in women’s soccer recently.
Branca, a Holbrook, NY native and a 2000 graduate of Sachem High, was the Hawks’ leading scorer this season. Her eight goals were the most by a New Paltz freshman since Alesha Peimer had 10 in 1998. And it was the third-most goals scored in a season by any player in school history.
Reis, meanwhile, shined on defense all season for the Hawks. Her entire offensive output (one goal, one assist) came in a 6-1 homecoming win over Stevens Tech on October 14. She is a Chatham, NY native.
Injuries and inexperience plagued the Hawks all season, which followed up 1999’s record-breaking season with a disappointing 5-13 mark in 2000. The graduation loss of the team’s two most experienced players from that team, which competed in both the SUNYAC and ECAC Tournaments – All-SUNYAC and All-Northeast Region forward Jessica Nadolny and steady goalkeeper Laura Neander – proved particularly significant.
