May 9, 2002

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Three Stony Brook University softball players--freshmen Kristen Brust and Stephanie DiBiase and senior Stephanie Poetzsch--earned first team All-America East honors, the conference announced on Wednesday. In addition, Brust and DiBiase were named to the All-Rookie Team.

Brust finished the season with a .280 average, second on the team, and added a team-high 14 doubles, which ranked second in the conference at the conclusion of the regular season. Brust, who started all 52 games at first base, also belted four homeruns and drove in 17 runs.

DiBiase concluded a stellar debut season as Stony Brook's best hitter with a .338 average. She led the team in hits (54), batting average (.338), runs (30), homeruns (6) and stolen bases (20-22) in her first season with the Seawolves.

Poetzsch finished her Stony Brook career as arguably the best pitcher in the history of the program. She led the America East in seven categories: wins (19), innings pitched (236.2), strikeouts (282), appearances (39), games started (32), shutouts (10) and complete games (30). She finished 2002 with a record of 19-15 and an ERA of 1.33. This season she became the program's all-time winningest pitcher with 36victories spanning her three-year career.

Regular-season champion Boston University took each of the top three America East Softball individual player honors as first-year shortstop Jamie Haas was named Player of the Year, junior Robyn Horrick was chosen Pitcher of the Year and first-year utility player Julie Henneke was selected Rookie of the Year. University of Maine head coach Deb Smith was named Coach of the Year.

Stony Brook finished the year with a record of 25-27 overall and 10-14 in the America East (sixth place).