Week of May 23-29
Women's Tennis

Alison Noll
Freshman
South Brunswick, NJ
South Brunswick High School

Alison Noll has made a triumphant return to tennis as a member of the MCCC women's team under Coach Marc Vecchiolla. At the NJCAA national tournament earlier this month, Noll won the title at no. 1 singles, the first Mercer woman to achieve that goal.

Noll sailed through the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds and also dominated in the final with a 6-1, 6-0 win over her opponent from Oxford CC (GA), who was the runner-up at no. 1 last year.

The men's tennis team came up big at the NJCAA National Tournament in Plano, TX, this past week. According to coach Marc Vecchiolla, each member of the squad contributed to the team total.

Sophomores Travis McCaughan and Juan Ramirez achieved their ultimate goal by winning the national title at no. 2 doubles. The duo proved their mettle in hard-fought contests, winning in the semis 6-0; 6-7 (5); 7-6 (4) and taking the final 5-7; 6-2; 6-2. The team finished third overall, one of the program's best finishes ever.

Week of Apr. 25-May 1
Men's Tennis

Ben Pinter
Sophomore
Florence, NJ
Florence Twp. High School

Although sophomore Ben Pinter did not advance to the championship round in this past weekend's Region 19 Tournament, Coach Marc Vecchiolla is very pleased with this sophomore's performance in the most competitive flight. Pinter hung tough and made many great plays in his No. 1 singles and No. 1doubles matches. In No. 1 doubles, Pinter and teammate Travis Virgil went to three sets against Bergen, which finished second at this flight.

Given Pinter's strong performance on Friday, Vecchiolla is optimistic about his prospects at the NJCAA National Tournament in two weeks, predicting that Pinter can compete with the best in the country.

Week of Apr. 18-24
Softball

Mary Rossi
Freshman
Trenton, NJ
Notre Dame High School

Mary Rossi has been a solid presence in the MCCC lineup this season, playing more like a seasoned veteran than a rookie. In six games last week, Rossi had nine hits and scored seven runs against Del Tech Owens, Raritan and Del Tech Stanton. She has also been a steady presence in the field at second base, where she has not made an error all season.

As the Lady Vikings head into the Region 19 Playoffs this weekend, Coach Ryan Zegarski will look to Rossi for continued success at bat and in the field.

Week of Apr. 11-17
Men's Tennis

Juan Ramirez
Sophomore
Pennington, NJ
Hightstown High School

It's been a tale of two flights for Juan Ramirez. At No. 2 doubles, Ramirez and partner Travis McCaughan, who was Athlete of the Week for Mar. 20-26, have been undefeated in Region 19. But Ramirez was having less success at second singles. On Friday, he won a third set tie-breaker to pick up the dramatic win at No. 2 singles 6-4, 6-7 (5), 11-9 at Bergen Community College. The team won the match 7-2.

This season, Ramirez has moved up two flights in singles play after winning the consolation finals at No. 4 singles at the national tournament last May. Coach Marc Vecchiolla knew that the step-up in flights would give Ramirez tougher competition, but had confidence that the hard-working sophomore would be ready for the challenge. Ramirez proved that on Friday. Vecchiolla predicts a strong finish for Ramirez in his tennis career at MCCC.

Week of Apr. 4-10
Baseball

James Pugliese
Freshman
Steinert High School
Hamilton, NJ

Freshman James Pugliese has been pitching like a veteran since he took the mound for Mercer in the opening game of the 2011 season. This week, Pugliese picked up two complete game wins, last Saturyday at Del Tech Owens and on Friday versus Sussex CC. In the Del Tech game, he allowed just 2 hits and no earned runs over 7 innings, finishing with 11 Ks in a 5-1 win. He had another dominant outing Friday in a 11-1 win over Sussex, allowing just one earned run and 3 hits over 7 innings and once again finishing with 11 Ks.

On the season, Pugliese has 52 strikeouts and has allowed just 8 earned runs in 36.1 innings. The Vikings will count on his continued dominance as they look to qualify for the Region 19 playoffs, which Mercer will host this year.

Week of Mar. 27-Apr. 3
Softball

Brianna Byrne
Freshman
East Windsor, NJ
Hightstown High School

In the fall, Brianna Byrne could be found defending the goal for MCCC's women's soccer team. This spring she has moved to the pitcher's mound on the softball field. In 7 games this past week, Byrne went 6-1, allowing just 6 earned runs and totaling 15 strikeouts.

With both of Mercer's starting pitchers on the injured list, Bryne has taken on a big challenge. Coach Zegarski praises her for her commitment to the team and for helping keep Mercer in every game. The Lady Vikings are 13-5 and will continue to rely on Byrne as she looks for her 10th win of the season this week.

Week of Mar. 20-26
Men's Tennis

Travis McCaughan
Sophomore
Lawrence High School
Princeton, NJ

In opening matches last week, sophomore Travis McCaughan proved himself a winner. Facing CCRI on Mar. 22, McCaughan won his fourth singles match 6-2, 6-0, and his second doubles match, with partner Juan Ramirez, 8-4. Facing Bergen on Mar. 24, he went 6-4 and 6-2 in singles and 8-0 with Ramirez in doubles.

According to Head Coach Marc Vecchiolla, Travis is an experienced player with a powerful serve and forehand who will be counted on to lead as the season progresses.

Week of Mar. 13-19
Softball

Angela Marinos
Freshman
Hamilton, NJ
Steinert High School

Last week the MCCC softball team headed to the Snowbird Classic in Myrtle Beach, SC, playing nine games in five days. Warming up for the Region 19 season in a big way was freshman Angela Marinos, whose bat was on fire for most of the week. Marinos went 19 for 27 with 3 home runs, 7 doubles, 13 RBIs and 10 runs.

In the Vikings' 5 wins, Marinos batted over .700, going 13 for 17 with 10 RBIs and 7 doubles. This utility player competed like a veteran and Coach Ryan Zegarski hopes Marinos will continue to come through as the Lady Vikings begin Region 19 play Mar. 24 at home against Sussex CC.

Week of Feb. 28-Mar. 6
Baseball

Matt Patterson
Freshman
Hamilton, NJ
Nottingham High School

Freshmen first baseman Matt Patterson has been an offensive force for the MCCC baseball team so far, helping the Vikings to a 3-1 start, including victories over the #1 and #8 nationally ranked Division III baseball teams, Gloucester and Manchester, CT.

After four games, Patterson is batting .530, going 8 for 15, with 5 RBIs. He had two big games in the doubleheader Saturday versus Manchester, going 4 for 7 with 2 RBIs. The Vikings are hoping Patterson's hot start doesn't cool as they head for spring training in Myrtle Beach next week, where they will play teams from across the country before returning for Region 19 games against Burlington CC Mar. 26.

Week of Feb. 21-27
Men's Basketball

Rodney Walters
Freshman
Philadelphia, PA
Frankford High School

Freshman guard Rodney Walters used his speed to get the job done on the court this season. Averaging 11.2 points per game, Walters' athleticism was keenly felt in two big games that helped the Vikings advance to the Region 19 championship Sunday.

In the thrilling buzzer beater semifinal win on Feb. 25 against no.1 seed Lackawanna, Walters scored a team-high 24 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. In the quarterfinal versus Morris on Feb. 21, he scored 12 points and helped propel Mercer to a commanding lead in the second half after trailing by 11 at the half. The Vikings fell short of repeating as Region 19 champions this year, but will count on Walters to return as a team leader next season.

Week of Feb. 14-20
Women's Basketball

Azaria Crews
Sophomore
Ewing, NJ
Ewing High School

According to Head Coach Mike Tenaglia, his last Athlete of the Week selection for the 2010-11 season is an easy one. That honor goes to sophomore forward Azaria Crews, who returned to the lineup Feb. 10 after being sidelined for several weeks due to injury. She was a key contributor in her final games, including the Region 19 quarterfinal against Burlington on Feb. 22.

She played an outstanding game both offensively and defensively, earning 16 points and 11 rebounds. While not enough to give Mercer the victory it sought, Crews can be proud of her contributions as a Lady Vike.

Week of Feb. 7-13
Men's Basketball

Jermaine Emanuel
Sophomore
Wilmington, NC
Laney High School

College basketball analysts often comment on the importance of the guard, especially in the postseason. Coach Howard Levy should have confidence as the Vikings head into the Region 19 tournament with sophomore Jermaine Emanuel in the backcourt. The poise and sharp shooting of Emanuel was on display Thursday night against Morris, as he scored 17 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in a 67-65 win that clinched a playoff spot for the Vikings.

Emanuel is not only an excellent shooter, but distributes the ball well. He leads the team in assists with 89 on the season and averages 11points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds per game. The Vikings will look to Emanuel's offensive control of the court as they begin postseason play Feb. 21.

Week of Jan. 31-Feb. 6
Women's Basketball

Allicia Pickett
Freshman
Bordentown, NJ
Bordentown Regional High School

While they don't always appear in the stats book, the contributions of freshman guard Allicia Pickett make a huge difference for the Lady Vikes. Says Head Coach Mike Tenaglia, "Allicia does all the things a team needs doing -- like playing good defense and controlling the offensive tempo, while taking care of the ball."

Pickett, who at times seems to be everywhere on the court, averages 4.5 points, 2.6 steals, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists. According to Tenaglia, Pickett "shows up ready to play and compete at every game." The Lady Vikings will need Pickett's hustle and skill as they look to carry their end-of-season momentum into the Region 19 Playoffs in two weeks.

Week of Jan. 24-30
Men's Basketball

Anthony Obery
Sophomore
Roselle, NJ
Abraham Clark High School

After spending his freshman year with Coach Levy, sophomore guard Anthony Obery has show increased confidence and improved play during his second season. A scrappy player who contributes on both ends of the court, Obery is averaging 10 points, 2.5 assists, and 4 rebounds per game. The Vikings will count on his leadership and controlled play as they continue to focus on qualifying for the Region 19 Tournament.

Week of Jan. 17-23
Women's Basketball

Alexis Sweet
Sophomore
Trenton, NJ
Trenton Central High School

For the second time this season, Alexis Sweet is being honored for her contributions to the Lady Vikes. This time, Sweet achieved a personal and team milestone when she scored her 1,000th point in Mercer's 71-40 victory over Camden CC on Saturday.

Sweet is averaging 23 points per game and leads the team in rebounds with 12 per game. According to Coach Mike Tenaglia, she is a dominant presence on the court.

Sweet has come a long way back from the injuries that shortened her high school career. She becomes the fourth women's player in Mercer history to hit the 1,000 mark.

Week of Jan. 10-16
Men's Basketball

Jonathan Jernigan
Sophomore
Willingboro, NJ
Burlington County Institute of Technology

According to Coach Howard Levy, Jon Jernigan has earned the prize as the team's hardest worker. "He has really made himself into a player," Levy said. The sophomore guard is averaging 10 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists per game. He leads the team in 3-point field goals, with 29 on the season.

While the Vikings continue to struggle this season, the progress of individual players is something to celebrate. Jernigan is among several players who consistently contribute to a total team effort. The Vikings will need his tough, gritty play as they look to improve their record and qualify for the Region 19 Playoffs.

Week of Jan. 3-9
Women's Basketball

Kristine Funk
Freshman
Columbus, NJ
Northern Burlington High School

Kristine Funk's hard work in practice has paid off, earning her a place in the starting line-up for the Lady Vikes. She came up big in Saturday's game against Brookdale, scoring 17 points and grabbing 8 rebounds in the team's 67-61 loss.

Funk was a two-year member of the MCCC softball team who has traded in her glove and bat for points and rebounds. The Vikings will count on Funk's continued improvement as they seek to build on their 8-5 record.

Week of Dec. 13-19
Men's Basketball

Donovan McCleese
Sophomore
Trenton, NJ
Trenton Central High School

Donovan McCleese has returned to the line-up ready to play after taking last year off. According to Head Coach Howard Levy, the sophomore guard has improved tremendously and is doing all the right things this season. He scored 14 pts. in Saturday's game against Frederick CC (MD) and 9 pts. in Sunday's contest against CCBC (MD). "He's making assists and steals. He is doing everything that is asked of him," Levy said.

Week of Dec. 6-12
Women's Basketball

Marelys Williams
Sophomore
Hamilton, NJ
Hamilton High School West

According to Coach Mike Tenaglia, sophomore forward Marelys Williams is finding her niche and realizing her potential. Williams scored 15 pts. and pulled down 11 rebounds in a 68-56 win over Essex CC on Dec. 9 and 17pts. and 14 rebounds in a 90-82 overtime win against Burlington on Dec. 11. "She is hitting the boards and doing the little things teams need to be successful," Tenaglia said.

Nine games into the season, Williams is averaging 7.5 pts. and 8.7 rebounds per game.

Week of Nov. 29-Dec. 5
Men's Basketball

Gary Carthan
Sophomore
Bordentown, NJ
Bordentown High School

According to Head Coach Howard Levy, Gary Carthan is both the team's Most Improved Player and its early MVP. Through the Vikings' first six games, this sophomore forward leads the team in scoring, averaging 14.8 points per game, and in rebounds, with 6 per game. Carthan also has the highest free throw percentage, shooting 80% on the year and is the leading three point shooter, with 11 threes on the season. Coach Levy hopes that Carthan's aggressive play on both ends of the floor continues as the Vikings look to improve their 3-5 record.

Week of Nov. 22-28
Women's Basketball

Alexis Sweet
Sophomore
Trenton, NJ
Trenton Central High School

In the early going, Lady Vikes forward Alexis Sweet has already proven her leadership, earning double-doubles in three recent games. Her stats include: 23 points and 10 rebounds against Harcum CC on Nov. 20; 14 points and 15 rebounds against Lackawanna Nov. 23; and 20 points and 11 rebounds against CCRI Nov. 27. The Lady Vikes will continue to look to Sweet for major contributions on both offense and defense as the season progresses.

The entire Vikings squad came out fired up and ready to play at the Northeast District semi-final match-up against Monroe CC (Rochester) on Saturday in Brockton, MA. Head Coach Larry Povia singled out three players for their major contributions to the team's 1-0 victory.

Midfielder Kadeem Dacres, defender Robin Patton and midfielder Dylan Smith all had the game of their lives. Patton scored the winning goal, while also playing an outstanding game on defense, a virtual repeat of his performance in the Region 19 championship. Dacres and Smith were both stellar in the midfield, creating opportunities for the Vikings to score while taking commanding control of the game and possession of play.

On Sunday, in the Northeast District final, the Vikings lost to Monroe CC (Bronx) 3-0 to end their season. Their final record was 13-4.

Week of Oct. 27-Nov. 1

Men's Soccer
Robin Patton
Sophomore
Berlin, Germany
JFK High School

Defender Robin Patton proved key on both defense and offense as Mercer notched a 1-0 victory in the Region 19 title game against Burlington CC on Oct. 30. In addition to playing an all-around solid game on defense, he scored the game's only goal with 20 minutes remaining. According to Head Coach Larry Povia, "Patton's heroics put the Vikings in the Distict Championship for sure." Patton was named the Defensive MVP. Earlier in the week he was selected to the All-Region 19 Second Team.

The Vikings will count on continued excellence from Patton as they face Monroe CC (Rochester, NY) in their Northeast District semi-final game in Brockton, MA, on Saturday, with the final to be played Sunday. The winner to advance to the NJCAA National Tournament in Tyler, TX.

Week of Oct. 19-26

Cristina Alonso
Women's Soccer
Freshman
Madrid, Spain
Colegio Valdeluz

The offensive effort of freshman forward Cristina Alonso is all in the numbers. Alonso is the team leader in both goals and assists, with a total of 12 goals and 9 assists. Two of the goals came at the best possible time, as she scored twice in Mercer's commanding 3-0 win over Sussex CC in the Region 19 semi-final, played at the MCCC Soccer Stadium Oct. 26.

Coach Jodie Ricciardi notes that Alonso was backed up by a team that came out ready to play against Sussex, passing well and keeping possession until the goals came.

The Vikings will look to Alonso to continue her winning ways in the Region 19 title game against Burlington CC at NJIT Oct. 30, 5 p.m.

Week of October 11-October 17
Co-Athletes: Men's Soccer

The offensive output of sophomore forward Rockie Kazouh is one of the reasons the men's soccer team is the no. 1 seed headed into the Region 19 Tournament next week. Kazouh is the overall point leader for MCCC with 9 goals and 6 assists, including 2 goals and 1 assist in Mercer's 6-2 win over Montgomery, MD, on Monday.

Also playing a significant role is freshman midfielder Jonni Ventura, noted for his excellent passing skills and offensive contributions. Ventura scored 1 goal and had 4 assists in the game against Montgomery and is the team assist leader with 11 on the season.

The Vikings will look to both players in the Region 19 semifnal against Essex Oct. 25. (The Vikings defeated Essex 2-1 in their regular season match-up Oct. 1.)

Week of September 27-October 3

Graci Leal
Women's Cross Country
Freshman
Trenton, NJ
Hopewell Valley HS

As the lone representative for the women's cross country team to compete in the Belmont Classic on Sept. 26, Graci Leal put forth a great effort, running a personal best by 50 seconds. Leal's solid performance took place in her second ever cross country race on this challenging Philadelphia course. According to Coach Erin Cahill, Leal has a great work ethic and has shown steady improvement since joining the team in August. The Vikings will look for continued contributions from Leal as they prepare for their last three meets of the season.

Week of September 20-26
Co-Athletes: Women's Tennis

In what is a rebuilding year for the women's tennis program, the efforts of freshmen Melanie Hunter and Rachel Young at second doubles are a highlight for the Vikings. Hunter and Young helped Mercer earn its first match win of the season against Ocean on Sept. 22. Their steady improvement mirrors the hard work of the whole team, which is focused on building skills and adding more notches to the win column.

Week of September 13-19

Kadeem Dacres
Men's Soccer
Sophomore
Rosedale, NY
Queens HS of Teaching

Sophomore midfielder/forward Kadeem Dacres has been a strong presence on offense, picking up from the six goals he scored last season as a freshman. Having scored in 3 of the Vikings' early season contests, he played a key role in Mercer's 2-1 overtime loss to Bryannt & Stratton on Saturday. The Vikings were down 1-0 from the opening minutes, but Dacres was able to find the net to tie the game and force overtime. The Vikings will need Dacres' offensive skills and quickness as they look to make a run for the Region 19 title.

Week of September 4-12

Samantha Biondi
Women's Soccer
Sophomore
Hamilton, NJ
Steinert HS

The contributions of sophomore midfielder Sam Biondi helped lead the Vikings to a 4-0 victory last Thursday vs. Harcum. The women's soccer captain has been a consistent force on both the offensive and defensive sides of the field and made many key defensive plays to help the Vikings shut out Harcum and earn their first win of the 2010 season. The Vikings will rely on Biondi's leadership and steady play as they look for their third straight Region 19 title.