MCCC Athlete of the Week
2009-2010


Week of May 16-22
Co-Athletes: Softball
Kirsten Edinger
Freshman
Ewing, NJ
Ewing HS

Jenna Berger
Sophomore
Fairless Hills, PA
Pennsbury HS

Kirsten Edinger stepped up with some big at bats for the Vikings during her freshman season and in her first World Series appearance May 20-23 in Normal, Ill. Edinger had 4 hits and collected 7 RBIs over three games. Her hits came at the just the right time, with a three-run homer in the second game vs. Highland CC (KS) to lead the Vikings to an 8-7 victory. In the third game, facing Johnson CC (KS), Edinger hit a grand slam in the 6th inning to tie the game, but Johnson came back with 6 runs in the 7th to come away with the victory and eliminate the Vikings.

The softball team has ridden the arm of sophomore pitcher Jenna Berger all year. The Region 19 Tournament MVP gave a solid performance in the Vikings' three games in the Division II World Series. Berger threw 16 innings, had 5 strikeouts over 3 games, and held ultimate World Series Champion Muskegon to 5 runs in their tournament opener. Berger also came up big at the plate in the World Series, hitting .500 for the tournament and scoring two runs.


Mercer last played in the NJCAA World Series in 2007.


Kirsten Edinger

Jenna Berger

Week of May 9-15
Co-Athletes: Men's Tennis

Jason Bielski
Sophomore
Ewing, NJ
Parker HS
Matt Pierson
Sophomore
Princeton, NJ
Montgomery HS

At the NJCAA tournament in Plano, TX, Mercer's no. 1 doubles partners, Jason Bielski and Matt Pierson, won the national title, beating opponents from nearby Brookdale CC in three hard-fought sets, 6-7(5); 6-4; and 6-4. To get to the final, Bielski and Pierson first faced Billy Boykin and Chris Dickson of Oxford College in the quarterfinal round, winning in three sets 6-3; 4-6; 6-3. In the semifinal match, they defeated Russell Payne and Jordan Smith of Broome CC 6-2; 3-6; 6-4.

At no. 2 singles, Bielski stayed alive all the way to the finals, defeating Eric Tressler of Onandaga CC in the quarterfinal and Tim Steele of the CC of Rhode Island before falling to Tyler Adland of Rock Valley CC.

MCCC ended the competition in fifth place out of 11 teams with 20 points.

Jason Bielski
Matt Pierson

Week of May 2-8
Co-Athletes: Softball

Jessica Maciolek
Sophomore
Hamilton, NJ
Steinert HS
Kirsten Edinger
Freshman
Ewing, NJ
Ewing HS

Sophomore Jess Maciolek provided the leadership and solid play the Vikings needed to capture the Region 19 title this weekend and advance to the Division II World Series in Bloomington, IN. Maciolek went 7 for 18 over the weekend, scored 8 runs and had 3 RBIs. The All Region and All Conference selection from 2009 also led the Vikings with great defensive work at shortstop.

Freshman Kirsten Edinger also came through with a big bat during the tournament, hitting .500, collecting 9 RBI's and scoring 7 runs. In the championship game, Edinger earned 3 RBI's to lead MCCC to a 8-5 victory over County College of Morris. Her solid offensive play, as well as her strong defensive presence at second base, were key in Mercer's triumph.

The Region 19 title is the Vikings' second under Ryan Zegarski, who began as head coach in 2005.

Jess Maciolek
Kirsten Edinger


Week of Apr. 25-May 1

Co-Athletes: Baseball

Matt Hill
Sophomore
Robbinsville, NJ
Robbinsville HS
Russ Stupienski
Sophomore
Columbus, NJ
Northern Burlington HS

The offensive performances of Matt Hill and Russ Stupienski have helped the baseball team reach the top of the Garden State Athletic Conference and both sophomores came through with huge hitting this weekend, combining for 12 for 13 hits in a doubleheader vs. Salem CC May 1. Mercer won the first game 22-5 and the second game 14-2.

Third baseman Hill, a second team All Garden State Athletic Conference selection last year, is batting .381 on the season and leads the Vikings with 26 RBI's. Utility player Russ Stupienski, who was offered a pre-season scholarship to play baseball at St. Peter's College next year, is batting .246 and has 8 strikeouts in 11 innings pitched.

The continued solid performance of Hill and Stupienski will be counted on as the Vikings head into the Region 19 playoffs this weekend.

Matt Hill
Russ Stupienski
Week of Apr. 18-24
Co-Athletes: Men's Tennis


Matt Romano
Sophomore
Skillman, NJ
Montgomery HS
Juan Ramirez
Freshnman
Pennington, NJ
Hightstown HS

The men's tennis team is packed with talent this year, but only third doubles partners Matt Romano and Juan Ramirez achieved perfection in during the regular season with a record of 12-0.

In the Region 19 Tournament, played at Mercer County Park April 23-24, Romano and Ramirez received a first round bye, then defeated Williamson Trade in the semifinals and Gloucester CC in the finals in a third set tiebreaker.

According to coach Marc Vecchiolla, these two players complement each other well, and will be a formidable team when the Vikings compete at the National Junior College Athletic Association Tournament, to be held May 10-14 in Plano, TX.

Matt Romano
Juan Ramirez

Week of Apr. 11-17
Co-Athletes: Baseball

Luis Alvarez
Sophomore
Hmilton, NJ
Nottingham HS
James Page
Sophomore
Lawrenceville, NJ
Cherry Hill East HS


The offensive explosion of sophomore outfielder Lou Alvarez over the weekend is one of the reasons Mercer was able to sweep its double-header versus Burlington County College on April 17. In game one, Alvarez collected three hits, scored twice and had an RBI in a 8-6 win. In the second game, he had two hits and an RBI in the Vikings' 5-0 victory. On the season Alvarez has compiled 17 hits. Heading intot Saturday's doubleheader, he had a .261 batting average.

A second key to Mercer's sweep of Burlington over the weekend was James Page's dominant performance on the mound. Page, who earned a pre-season baseball scholarship to attend St. Peter's College next year, pitched a four-hit shut-out in Mercer's 5-0 victory. The sophomore right-hander is 2-2 on the year with 14 strikeouts.

Luis Alvarez
James Page

Week of Apr. 4-10
Co-Athletes: Softball


Jenna Berger
Sophomore
Levittown, PA
Pennsbury
HS

Beth Rochon
Freshman
Croydon, PA
Bucks County Technical

According to head coach Ryan Zegarski, his pitchers, sophomore Jenna Berger and freshman Beth Rochon, are the two constants that are keeping the women's softball team performing at a high level.

In a doubleheader against Lackawanna on Apr. 10, Berger recorded a 10-1 win in the first game. Rochon followed with a 14-1 victory in the second game.

Thus far on the sesaon, Berger has an 11-4 record with a 1.33 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 91 innings pitched. Rochon has a 10-2 record with a 2.00 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 67 innings.

The team's record stands at 21-6.

Jenna Berger
Beth Rochon
Week of Mar. 29-Apr. 3

Shawn Reindel
Baseball
Sophomore
Hunterdon Central HS

After missing last season due to injury, sophomore pitcher Shawn Reindel has returned with solid performances. The right-hander helped the baseball team cross the .500 mark with a strong outing Apr. 3 in which Mercer defeated Sussex CC 11-5. Reindel threw 3 innings of no-hit, no-walk ball that included 4 strike-outs. He is 2-1 thus far on the season.


Week of Mar. 22-28

Co-Athletes: Men's Tennis

Matt Pierson
Sophomore
Princeton, NJ
Montgomery HS
Jason Bielski
Sophomore
Ewing, NJ
Parker HS

Mercer's No. 1 and No. 2 singles players captured their respective singles flights and paired up to win the first doubles flight at this weekend's Harford Invitational Tournament. Their win led Mercer, which dominated the event, to earn 24 of a possible 27 team points. In season play thus rar, Pierson and Bielski are both 6-0 at singles and 5-2 at doubles.

Pierson possesses a huge tactical all-round game, including both powerful serve and forehand. Bielski, a team co-captain, relies on consistency and cerebral play to chip away at his opponents.

The team stands 4-0 in the current season.

 

Matt Pierson
Jason Bielski


Week of Mar. 15-21


Alyssa Becker
Softball
Freshman
Yardley, PA
Pennsbury High School


After three games in New Jersey, the Vikings headed for the Snowbird Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C., earning a 6-2 record in five days of intense play from Mar. 14 to 18. Centerfielder Alyssa Becker contributed substantially to the team's success, hitting an even .500 (13 for 26 at-bats). Especially notable was her game-winning three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the Vikings a 6-4 victory over Brookdale on Mar. 17. She also proved her versatility and leadership in the outfield.

Week of Mar. 8-14
Co-Athletes: Men's and Women's Basketball

Uros Kovacevic
Sophomore
Montenegro

Ivan Uskokovic High Sch.

Alexis Sweet
Freshman
Trenton, N.J.
Trenton High School


The excellent seasons of the Mercer County Community College basketball teams are reflected in individual all-star honors, led by freshman forward Alexis Sweet (Trenton, N.J.) being named to both the Region 19 and Garden State Athletic Conference first teams. The 5-foot-8 Sweet averaged a double-double of points and rebounds for the 21-9 Lady Vikings and ranks in the Top 10 in scoring in NJCAA Division II.

On the men's side, Uros Kovacevic
(Montenegro) earned GSAC first team and Region19 second team honors.The sophomore guard/forward leads the Vikings in scoring and is tied for the lead in assists. He will play a pivotal role in this week's NJCAA Division II Championships in Danville, Ill.

Alexis Sweet
Uros Kovacevic

Week of Mar. 1-7

Quentin Loftin
Men's Basketball
Sophomore
Florence, NJ
Florence High School

Earning its first Region 19 title since 1998 on Mar. 2, the men's basketball team has benefited greatly from the strong performance of sophomore guard Quentin Loftin, a starter for all 32 games. Known as a defensive specialist, Loftin came up big on the offensive end last Tuesday when he poured in 12 points to help a balanced scoring attack that featured all five starters scoring in double figures. Loftin's tough, gritty play on both ends of the floor will be key during the National Tournament.


Week of Feb. 22-28


Isaiah Andrews
Men's Basketball
Freshman
Florence, NJ
Burlington Twp. High School


The men's basketball team is one win away from advancing to the Division II National Tournament, thanks in part to the solid play of freshman forward Isaiah Andrews. Andrews had 17 points and 4 rebounds in MCCC's Region 19 quarterfinal win over Essex Feb. 23, followed by 13 points and 4 rebounds in their semi-final victory over Del Tech Stanton Feb. 28. Heading into the title game, Andrews is averaging 11.8 points and 6.9 rebounds. He has been a powerful presence in the post for the Vikings, who will need his consistent play on both ends of the floor to help lead them to the Nationals.


Week of Feb. 14-20


Jenn Casper
Women's Basketball
Ivyland, PA
Council Rock North High School


An ACL injury in the Lady Vikes' first game cut short a promising season for sophomore forward Jenn Casper. Still, Jenn attends every practice and game, cheering on teammates and rehabbing daily to get ready for basketball at a four-year college next year. Her dedication on and off the court sets an example about her work ethic and commitment as an athlete and student. The Liberal Arts major hopes to continue to strengthen her knee so she can build on the 7.1 points per game and 7.8 rebounds she averaged in her first season at Mercer.


Week of Feb. 7-13


Derek Williams
Men's Basketball
Sophomore
Willingboro, N.J.
Willingboro High School

Derek Williams' play at point guard has led Mercer on a seven-game winning streak that has included wins over Raritan, Ocean, Burlington and Del Tech in the last two weeks. The sophomore has averaged double figures in scoring (14 points per game) and dished out 24 assists over these four games. His leadership and steady play over the next few weeks are key as the Vikings look to advance in the Region 19 Tournament, which begins next week.


Week of Jan. 30-Feb. 6
Co-Athletes: Men's Soccer

Amit Aburmad
Tel Aviv, Israel
Ido Ligety
Tevan, Israel

Midfielders Amit Aburmad (Tel Aviv, Israel) and Ido Ligety (Tevan, Israel) have accepted full scholarships to contine their academic and soccer careers at Div. I colleges in fall 2010. Aburmad will attend Boston College of the Atlantic Coast Conference, while Ligety will play soccer for St. John's of the Big East.

Ligety was named a National Soccer Coaches Association of America second-team All-American in 2009. Aburmad was a first-team National Junior College Athletic Association All-American in 2008 and led MCCC with 13 goals and eight assists in 2009. Both players were All-Region 19 first-team selections.

Ligety and Aburmad are Dean's List students studying Business Administration.

 

Amit Aburmad, left, and Ido Ligety

 

 

 


Week of Jan. 18-24


Samantha Cobbs
Women's Basketball
Sophomore
Bordentown, N.J.
Bordentown High School

Team captain Samantha Cobbs has been a solid leader, even as she grapples with a nagging hamstring problem. She contributes in all the small ways that add up to team success. In the Lady Vikes' last two wins, "Cobbie" scored 12 pts. in an 81-79 victory over Union CC on Jan. 21 and hit 9 pts. against Camden on Jan. 23.


Week of Jan. 11-17

Paco Boussougou
Men's Basketball
Sophomore
Gabon
Laurinberg

Paco Boussougou has come on strong for MCCC as its leading rebounder and second-highest scorer. The 6-foot-4 big man had a pair of double-doubles while the Vikings split a pair of games in New England earlier this month. He had a double-double in the 73-65 win over Middlesex on Saturday. The prior week, he had 19 points and 13 rebounds in a 73-59 victory over Massassoit, and 13 points and 11 boards in a 71-65 loss to the Community College of Rhode Island. The Vikings have a 9-9 record.


Week of Jan. 4-10


Azaria Crews
Women's Basketball
Freshman
Ewing, N.J.
Ewing High School

Azaria Crews proved pivotal in the Vikings' last three games, earning 21 points and 11 rebounds in a win against Manor on Jan. 5; 8 points and 7 rebounds vs. Community College of Rhode Island on Jan. 9; and 20 points and 8 rebounds against UConn Avery Point on Jan. 10. She was named Player of the Year in the CVC as a senior in high school and was recently selected to the all-decade third team by the Trenton Times.


Week of Dec. 14-20

Uros Kovacevic
Men's Basketball
Sophomore
Montenegro

Ivan Uskokovic High School

What MCCC men’s basketball coach Howard Levy especially likes about Uros Kovacevic is that he can play any position, making him a valuable all-round contributor. The 6-foot-4 forward collected 18 points, five assists and three rebounds in the Dec. 18 game against FIT. He is averaging 14 points, 4.5 assists and four rebounds for the Vikings (5-8), who are on a mid-season break until Jan. 5.

Week of Nov. 30-Dec. 6

Co-Athletes of the Week: Baseball
James Page
Sophomore
Lawrenceville, N.J.
Cherry Hill High School West

Russell Stupienski
Sophomore
Columbus, N.J.
Northern Burlington Regional High School

It’s always a thrill for a two-year college when a student-athlete earns a scholarship to a four-year program. MCCC’s baseball program has doubled that achievement in recent weeks and will send both James Page and Russ Stupienski to the same four-year school next year after both signed national letters of intent with Saint Peter’s College of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Page is a 6’4”, 210-pound right-handed pitcher, while the 5’8”, 180-pound Stupienski is a catcher, first baseman and pitcher. Both players will be key members of this coming spring’s squad, which hopes to build on the Vikings’ 27-15 season in 2009.

James Page
Russ Stupienski


Week of Nov. 30-Dec. 6

Frank Tweneboa
Men's Soccer
Sophomore
Pennsauken, N.J.
Pennsauken High School

Recognition for MCCC’s outstanding forward has reached far beyond Region 19 and the Garden State Athletic Conference. Frank Tweneboa has been named to the National Junior College Athletic Association All-American first team. The versatile Tweneboa had three goals and seven assists for the Vikings’ 14-2 squad and helped the program win 33 games during his two seasons.


Week of Nov. 23-29

Alexis Sweet
Women's Basketball
Freshman
Trenton, N.J.
Trenton High School

Alexis Sweet posted back-to-back double-doubles to lead MCCC to a pair of victories at its Holiday Classic: 21 points and 12 rebounds against the CCRI, and 20 points and 13 rebounds against CCBC-Dundalk. For the week, the 5’8” forward averaged 19.7 points and 11 rebounds in three games. Head coach Mike Tenaglia says Sweet attacks the basket better than any player in his 20 seasons at MCCC.


Week of Nov. 16-22


Samantha Foley
Women's Basketball
Sophomore
Hamilton, N.J.
Nottingham High School


The Vikings' tallest player came up big in an 81-73 loss to Harcum College. The versatile, 6-foot forward scored 16 points while shooting 7-for-9 from the floor. She picked up a double-double by grabbing 10 rebounds and added two assists and two blocked shots. Foley is a two-year starter for the Vikings (1-2), who play three times this week.


Week of Nov. 9-15

Marcus Jimenez
Men's Basketball
Sophomore
Vineland, N.J.
Vineland High School

Marcus Jimenez helped MCCC to a split of two games. An excellent outside shooter, the 5-foot-8 guard has been contributing in many ways already this season. One of his better all-around games occurred this past week against Harford Community College, when he had 12 points, four rebounds and one steal. The Vikings are 2-2 overall.


Week of Nov. 2-8

Frank Tweneboa
Men's Soccer
Sophomore
Pennsauken, N.J.
Pennsauken High School

The two-year standout at forward made the All-Region 19 and All-Garden State Athletic Conference first team and has been nominated for National Junior College Athletic Association All-American honors. Tweneboa had three goals and seven assists for the Vikings’ 14-2 squad.


Week of Oct. 26-Nov. 1


Carolyn Walters
Women’s Soccer
Sophomore
Hamilton, N.J.
Nottingham High School

As MCCC repeated as the Region 19 Division I champs, forward Carolyn Walters scored two goals in a 3-1 victory over Burlington County College in the final on Oct 31. The Liberal Arts major also scored in the Vikings’ 5-1 semifinal-round win over Sussex County College on Oct. 28. The Vikings next play in the National Junior College Athletic Association District G tournament, which will be played Nov. 6-8 in Monroe, NY.

Week of Oct. 19-25

Co-Athletes of the Week:
Women’s Tennis

Maria Eldridge
Sophomore
Lawrenceville, N.J.
Lawrence High School

Sachiko Nishida
Freshman
Princeton, N.J.
Kudan High School (Tokyo)

Maria Eldridge and Sachiko Nishida were both singles runners-up at the Region 19 Championships, held Oct. 23-24. MCCC finished third as a team behind champion Gloucester County College and second-place Brookdale Community College. Eldridge reached the No. 4 final with a 6-0, 6-1 win in the semifinals. With an 11-8 record, she led the Vikings in singles wins this season.

Nishida, playing at her first regional championships, also won in straight sets in the semifinals en route to the No. 6 final.

 

 

Maria Eldridge
Sachiko Nishida

Week of Oct. 12-18

Rebecca Wolf
Women’s Tennis
Sophomore
Pennington, N.J.
Hopewell Valley High School

Women’s tennis coach Marc Vecchiolla lauds Rebecca Wolf for her leadership qualities. Her tennis ability isn’t bad, either. The sophomore posted an impressive 6-1, 6-4 win at No. 2 singles against powerful Gloucester County College on Oct. 13. Wolf is a baseliner who finishes off points with her forehand. This weekend, the Liberal Arts student majoring in Psychology will try to repeat as the No. 2 singles champion and No. 1 doubles champ (with partner Kristina Holsman) at the Region 19 Championships, hosted by Gloucester.

Week of Oct. 5-11

Ido Ligety
Men's Soccer
Sophomore
Tivan, Israel
Ort Tivon


Sophomore Ido Ligety continues to anchor the midfield for Mercer's men's soccer team as the Vikings look to qualify for their ninth straight National Tournament. On the season, Ligety has 2 goals and 4 assists and has helped MCCC to a 11-1 record. Ido's dominance in the midfield has drawn the attention of some top Division I programs, where he hopes to transfer next year. Ligety's strong offensive and defensive play helped Mercer to a 3-1 victory over Union Oct. 5 and 3-0 win at Essex Oct. 9.

Week of Sept. 28-Oct. 4

Kasey Kenny
Women’s Soccer
Sophomore
Staten Island, N.Y.
Tottenville High School

Kasey Kenny is making a bid for National Junior College Athletic Association Division I All-American honors for the second straight year. The high-scoring forward pumped in seven goals as MCCC won three games by a combined 14-0 last week, including a hat trick in the Vikings’ 7-0 victory over Bucks County Community College. One season after scoring 29 goals as a freshman, Kenny has 17 goals during the Vikings’ 9-3 start.

Week of Sept. 21-27

Emily Dow
Women’s Tennis
Sophomore
Princeton Junction, N.J.
West Windsor-Plainsboro North

Emily Dow advanced to the quarterfinals of ‘A’ flight singles and semifinals of ‘A’ flight doubles with partner Rebecca Wolf at the Second Women’s Northeast Regional ITA/Wilson Tennis Championship, hosted by MCCC at Mercer County Park. Dow, a key returnee from last year’s NJCAA Division III Championship qualifying squad, won two matches in each flight.

Week of Sept. 14-20

Carolyn Walters
Women’s Soccer
Sophomore
Hamilton, N.J.
Nottingham High School

With some MCCC forwards battling through injuries, Carolyn Walters has increased her leadership role and continues to produce offensively. She scored a goal in a 2-0 win over Ocean County College and had a goal and an assist in a 3-2 win over Dean College. Her four goals tie for the team lead.

Week of Sept. 7-13

Amit Aburmad
Men’s Soccer
Sophomore
Tel Aviv, Israel
Berl Katenelson HS of Education

Amit Aburmad is dictating play this season as he did in 2008 en route to NJCAA Division I All-American honors and the Vikings' third place national finish. The midfielder scored twice and delivered three assists as MCCC won its first two games by a combined 10-2 goal total.

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