Jan. 23, 2009

PHILADELPHIA - Saint Joseph's field hockey standouts Marisa Pizzi and Kellie Walter were named to the 2008 All-Philadelphia Field Hockey squad on Friday afternoon. It is the first City 6 honor for both players. Sophomore Susan Ciufo of Drexel was named the city's Most Valuable Player.

Pizzi, a senior from Rosemont, Pa., tied her career high with eight goals in 2008 and set new career highs in assists (three) and points (19) on her way to All-Atlantic 10 Second Team accolades. Pizzi scored 22 goals in her SJU career, placing her in a tie for 10th all-time in program history.

Walter enjoyed a breakout junior year, leading the Hawks in goals (10), assists (seven) and points (27) this past season. For her efforts, the Horsham, Pa. native was selected to the All-Conference First Team and the NFHCA All-Mid-Atlantic Region Second Team. Walter impressed in the classroom as well, being named to the Atlantic 10 All-Academic squad for the first time.

The SJU field hockey team finished the season 11-9, reaching the Atlantic 10 Tournament for a school-record eighth consecutive season.