May 19, 2007

Erie, Pa. - Seniors Mariano Fava of men's tennis and Julia Coliza of women's ice hockey were named today the Mercyhurst College male and female Student Athletes of the Year. The announcement came during the college's annual Athletic Recognition Luncheon held at the Ambassador Banquet & Conference Center.

During his three year career, Fava established himself as one of the greatest men's tennis players to ever play at Mercyhurst. He was named the 2006 GLIAC Tennis Player of the Year and racked up a 33-12 record over the past two seasons at No. 1 singles after going 16-6 in his first season with the Lakers at No. 2 singles. Even more impressive is his doubles play, where he paired with senior teammate Lee Michael Marnik to go 22-1 at No. 1 doubles this year, winning 18 straight matches. The duo was undefeated in GLIAC play this year and helped lead the team to the NCAA Playoffs for the second time in Fava's three-year career. Fava is also strong academically and entered the spring term with a 3.164 grade point average, majoring in Communications.

Senior captain Colizza was the undisputed leader of one of the most successful teams in Mercyhurst history, guiding the women's hockey team to its first ever No. 1 ranking, a home game in the NCAA Quarterfinals, and a 32-2-3 final record. While the team made local, regional and national headlines, Colizza helped to keep the team level-headed and playing its best during the season. The Lakers finished the regular season with a 24 game unbeaten streak. She finished the year tied for first in College Hockey America in assists, tied for fourth in points and tied for fifth in power play goals. She never missed a game during her four-year career with the Lakers and is second all-time in assists and third in points. She was selected to take part in the nationally-televised Frozen Four Skills Challenge in St. Louis in March and helped lead the West to a 13-10 win over the East. She was also a candidate for the Hockey Humanitarian Award for her contributions both on and off the ice. Colizza entered the spring term with a 3.418 grade point average, majoring in Education.

"In our profession you get rewarded in so many ways," said coach Mike Sisti. "To see Julia come to Mercyhurst as a young, timid girl and then to develop into a confident, successful woman ready to tackle the world in four quick years is special. She became a leader of leaders on one of the most successful teams in the country. Working with people like Julia and her teammates reminds me everyday how lucky I am to do what I do."