SJU softball honored by A-10

St. Joseph's softball team, which is off to an undefeated start to the 2013 campaign, saw three of its players honored by its member conference:

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Dana Parks and Taryn Ashway of Saint Joseph’s were named the Atlantic 10 Conference Softball Player and Pitcher of the Week, respectively, the league announced Tuesday. Teammate Brandi Harkness was also honored as the Atlantic 10 Conference Softball Rookie of the Week.

Parks, a senior from Vineland, N.J., batted .538 and collected a hit in all four games of the Pirate Clash hosted by East Carolina. The starting center fielder scored a team-high three runs as well. Among the games, Parks finished the week 3-of-3 versus St. John’s, scoring two runs as well.

Ashway, a senior from Waynesboro, Pa., posted a 0.92 ERA and went 3-0-1 on the week. Striking out 16, while walking none, she earned a win in the opener against St. John’s and came in for a win in relief against Georgetown the following day. On Saturday, Ashway struck out six in a complete game three hitter and finished the week allowing 3.67 hits per game.

Freshman Harkness led all SJU rookies in RBIs and batting average this past weekend. The San Dimas, Calif., native collected an RBI against St. John’s in her collegiate debut and followed in the finale against the Red Storm with a 2-for-3 day with a run scored and two RBI.


The Hawks will play in the Coastal Carolina tournament this weekend, with five games scheduled in a three-day span.

A-10 tourney to remain in Atlantic CIty

Atlantic 10 commissioner Linda Bruno announced on Wednesday that the 2009 Atlantic 10 Championships will remain in Atlantic City's famed Boardwalk Hall.

The 2007 A-10 Championship was in Atlantic City, as is the upcoming 2008 tourney

"I am extremely pleased to make this announcement," Bruno said. "Our first year in Atlantic City was a tremendous success and with the exciting season our teams are currently enjoying, this year promises to be even better.

"Boardwalk Hall provides a tremendous setting for college basketball and every seat puts fans right on top of the action. The feedback from students, alumni, fans, and the Atlantic City community last year was extremely positive and we look forward to a long and successful stay in Atlantic City."

Boardwalk Hall, which first opened in 1929, underwent a three-year, $90 million renovation to transform the building into a modern special events arena capable of variable seating for up to 14,500 people.

"We are thrilled that the Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Championship will be calling Atlantic City home for another year," said Jeffrey Vasser, executive director of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority. "It will be our pleasure to work with the A-10 staff in order to make the 2009 year as successful as these past years have been. I think fans will agree that Atlantic City is a perfect setting for the Championship."

The 2009 Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Championship will take place from March 11-14. This year's A-10 Championship will be held from March 12-15.

Nivins earns A-10 honors

St. Joseph's sophomore forward Ahmad Nivins was named to the All-Atlantic-10 first team on Monday. Temple swingman Dionte Christmas made the second-team and Hawks forward Pat Calathes made the third-team.

Temple guard Mark Tyndale earned honorable mention, while St. Joseph's guard Jawan Carter and La Salle guard Rodney Green made the All-Rookie team.

Christmas also received the Chris Daniels Most Improved Player of the Year award.