Posted: Mar 29, 2016

Freshmen Trio Nabs NECC Rookie of the Week Honors

ATTLEBORO, Mass. – A trio of Elms College freshmen were selected as New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) Rookies of the Week, announced by the league office Monday. Vanessa Vurno (Salem, Conn.) was tabbed Women's Lacrosse Rookie of the Week, John Dunphy (Farmington, Conn.) earned Men's Volleyball Rookie of the Week honors, and Raeanna Tumel (Stafford, Conn.) was selected as Softball Rookie of the Week.

Vurno picks up her third rookie honor of the season. During the Blazers' 14-13 win over Green Mountain College, Vurno powered the Elms attack with a game-high seven points. Vanessa netted a pair of goals while delivering five helpers in the win over the Eagles. For the season, Vurno ranks second in the NECC in assists (11), third in points (25), and seventh in goals (14).

Dunphy takes home his second rookie of the week award of the season. Dunphy orchestrated the Blazers offense from the setter position, racking up 84 assists in a pair of matches last week. In a three-set sweep of Lesley, John dished out 22 assists, followed by a career-high 62 assist performance during a five-set battle with Fontbonne. On the year, Dunphy leads the conference in assists (778) and ranks second in assists per set (8.84).

Tumel earns her first rookie of the week award of her freshmen campaign. Tumel came through for the Blazers on the mound and at the plate, posting a .600 batting average with eight runs batted in and nine runs scored, along with a pair of victories from the pitching circle. From the circle, Tumel was 2-2 while spearing in six games with 27 strikeouts in 28.2 innings of work. At the dish, Tumel was 9-for-15 with five doubles, fueled by a 3-for-4 day against Southern Vermont with four RBIs and three doubles.

ELMS ATHLETICS