McCusker named to ECAC All-Rookie Team

NEWPORT, R.I. - Salve Regina University women's ice hockey freshman Sarah McCusker (Havertown, Pa.) has been named to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Women's East All-Rookie Team.

McCusker appeared in all 26 games for the Seahawks and registered 11 points on four goals and seven assists. In 19 ECAC contests, she tallied three goals and six assists for a total of nine points, which tied her for 16th among defensemen and 17th amongst rookies.

"Sarah is very deserving of this type of recognition as she had a sterling freshman campaign," said Salve Regina head coach Michael Cox. "This honor is even more impressive considering how many excellent rookie defensemen were playing in the league this year."

McCusker tallied her first career point with an assist against Nichols on Nov. 6. The following evening, she potted her first goal at Holy Cross. McCusker racked up three multi-point games in 2009-10: Jan. 14 vs. Nichols (1-1-2), Jan. 30 vs. Castleton State (0-2-2), and Feb. 6 at UMass Boston (0-2-2). Her goal against the Bison on the 14th was her first-career game-winning goal.

Joining McCusker on the team were Rose Giarrusso of Saint Anselm, Kailey Bubier of Southern Maine, and Katie Little, Lauren Nutkevitch, and Emy Cote of Manhattanville.

The Seahawks finished the season 13-10-3 (10-6-3 ECAC) and hosted an ECAC playoff contest for the first time in school history.