University of Albany's Nikki Branchini & Mel Rorie Candidates for America East Fans' Choice Player of the Year - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – University at Albany’s Nikki Branchini and Mel Rorie are candidates for the America East Conference 2009 Women’s Lacrosse Fans’ Choice Player of the Year. Branchini, a sophomore defender from Guilderland, N.Y., ranks fifth among the NCAA Division I leaders in draw controls at 4.0 per game. A first-team all-conference standout as a freshman, she has three goals and is first on the team in ground balls (35) and caused turnovers (15). Rorie, a sophomore midfielder, is second on the team in scoring with 34 goals and seven assists. She has tallied three or more points against six opponents this season. UAlbany (8-7, AE 4-2) has qualified for the America East postseason tournament for the third consecutive year.

Voting is now open for the inaugural men's and women's lacrosse Fans' Choice Players of the Year! Vote for one of the 12 men's lacrosse finalists and one of the 14 women's lacrosse finalists now through 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 22. The 2009 Men's Lacrosse Fans' Choice Player of the Year and the 2009 Women's Lacrosse Fans' Choice Player of the Year will be announced at www.AmericaEast.com on Friday, April 24. Select the link below to see the ballots. Only one vote per person and per valid email address will be accepted.