Shannon, Gattinella, Goodhart Earn All-Ivy League Recognition
4/27/2010 5:15:00 PM | Lacrosse
NEW YORK - Three Columbia lacrosse players received All-Ivy League recognition, conference officials announced on Tuesday. Senior co-captain Brittany Shannon picked up second-team accolades, while sophomores Taylor Gattinella and Amanda Goodhart were named honorable mention.
Shannon, who was an honorable mention selection in 2008 and 2009, was named to the second team this year after leading the Lions' offensive unit. She finished with 51 points this season with 45 goals and six assists. Her 45 goals tied the single-season record set by Holly Glynn '09CC, while her 51 points ranks third overall. Last season, Shannon had a career-high 52 points which is good for second all-time in a single season. For her career, her 153 points ranks third and 130 goals ranks second in program history.
"This is the third year in which Brittany has received post-season recognition from the Ivy League coaches," said head coach Kerri Whitaker, "which, considering the caliber of the league, is remarkable and impressive. She's a player who wants the ball and is not afraid - never afraid - to go to goal. Brittany is a competitor and is driven to be the best - it's what motivated her in each of her four years here. Her standards have helped our team compete at a higher level, no question."
Gattinella picks up her first All-Ivy postseason honor by earning honorable mention status. The sophomore was one of the Lions' top two-way players this season. She ranked fourth on the team in points with 23 (21 goals, 2 assists), and led the squad with 40 ground balls. For the second year in a row, Gattinella won 37 draw controls which ranks second in a single-season.
"Taylor is the engine on our team," noted Whitaker. "She makes plays all over the field and is one of those players who everyone remembers for her hustle, her heart, and her gutsy play. She took on an increased role this year offensively for us and emerged as a threat on our attack. What impresses me most about her is that she has led our team in two consecutive years in ground balls. She was often a marked player on the draw this year after leading us in that category last year, and still she was second on our team in draw controls."
Fellow sophomore Goodhart also earned her first all-conference honor as she led the Lions' defensive unit with 25 caused turnovers and ranked second with 31 ground balls. Her 25 caused turnovers are the fourth highest total in a single season at Columbia, and 13 of them were against conference opponents.
"AG is probably the most consistent performer on our team," said Whitaker. "She is completely reliable, and with AG, you always know what you are going to get: smart play, very good defense with few mistakes, well-timed take-away checks, and big stops. We match her up against some of the best scorers in the league, and she always shows up. She dominates quietly, if there is such a thing, so it is really rewarding to see her get recognized for her play."
Columbia concluded the season 6-8 and returns both Gattinella and Goodhart for the 2011 season.
