June 21, 2006

New York, N.Y. - Dely Francisco (Haverstraw, NY), a sophomore Physical Education and Health major at Adelphi University, has been named the 2006 NYCAC Softball Scholar-Athlete of the Year, as voted by the league's coaches. Francisco maintains an impressive 3.949 GPA in addition to her solid athletic credentials.

The outfielder set a new single-season school record with 21 stolen bases and was second on the team in batting average (.386) and runs scored (34) this spring. Francisco was a 2006 Second Team All-NYCAC selection and was recently named a Diverse Issues in Higher Education 2006 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar. She also recorded a perfect 4.0 GPA in the fall of 2005.

"A balance between strong academics and competitive athletics is characteristic of many NYCAC Student-Athletes," said Ed Manetta, NYCAC Commissioner. "Francisco is an excellent example, demonstrating dedication in both school and softball, and is a worthy recipient of the Scholar-Athlete Award."

Francisco is only the second Adelphi softball player to receive this honor and the first since Terri Moran was recognized in 1997.

The 2006 NYCAC Softball Honor Roll includes: Holly Eringis, C.W. Post, sophomore; Jessica Henck, Queens College, junior; Tara Nowlin, Molloy College, junior; Lisa Ramos, University of New Haven, senior; Danielle Romanello, St. Thomas Aquinas, junior; Ashley Spose, Concordia College, sophomore; and Nicole Swistun, NYIT, senior.

About the NYCAC

The New York Collegiate Athletic Conference, to be rebranded as "East Coast Conference" on July 1, was formed to enhance intercollegiate athletic competition among NYCAC member institutions and to assist them in integrating athletics into their academic program in a fiscally sound way. The NYCAC is committed to the highest standards of scholarship, sportsmanship, teamwork, and citizenship. Its mission is to promote the total person concept in its student-athletes which stresses the abilities to excel in academic achievement, athletic competition, and positive character traits.

NYCAC members for 2005-2006 include: Adelphi University (Garden City, N.Y.); University of Bridgeport (Conn.); Concordia College (Bronxville, N.Y.); C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University (Brookville, N.Y.); Dowling College (Oakdale, N.Y.); Mercy College (Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.); Molloy College (Rockville Centre, N.Y.); University of New Haven (Conn.); New York Institute of Technology (Old Westbury, N.Y.); Queens College (Flushing, N.Y.); St. Thomas Aquinas College (Sparkill, N.Y.).

The NYCAC is a proud member of the NCAA and Division II. Division II is a dynamic and engaging group of colleges, institutions and conferences of varying sizes and educational missions. Division II members encourage and support diversity; value sportsmanship, fairness and equity; and place the highest priority on the overall educational excellence of the student-athlete.