Jan. 24, 2006
FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Seven former Fairfield University basketball players were named to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) 25th Anniversary Team. Five women and two men were picked from Fairfield University, with all three decades being represented. Darren Phillip (1996-2000) and Deng Gai (2001-05) represent the Fairfield men's choices, while Lisa Mikelic (1987-1991), Dana Pellegrino (1984-88), Tricia Sacca (1987-91), Christine Fryer (1992-96), and Gail Strumpf (1997-2001) comprise the Fairfield women selections.
The teams included 25 members with 10 coming from both the 1980s and 1990s, and five additional members from 2000-present. The MAAC is celebrating its 25th anniversary this academic year.
Phillip finished his career with 1,218 points and secured 868 rebounds during his four-year stay. He averaged a double double as a senior with 15.9 points and 14 rebounds per game, and led the nation in rebounding that season. His post-season honors included a spot on the 1997 MAAC All-Tournament team, as well as two straight All-MAAC first team selections. He owns the top two single-game rebounding efforts in MAAC history, including a record 25 caroms versus Marist during the 1999-2000 campaign.
Gai played 100 games in his four seasons with the Stags, registering 1,268 points, 699 rebounds, and 444 blocks during his tenure. Gai ranked among Division I's all-time leaders in career blocks and blocks per game (4.44). He led the nation in blocked shots as a senior, averaging 5.5 rejections every forty minutes. He won the MAAC defensive player of the year three times in his four seasons, and earned two All-MAAC first team awards.
Fryer left Fairfield University as the program's all-time leader with 356 steals, a nice compliment to her 1,584 points and 543 assists. She was named the MAAC Rookie of the Year in 1993, and secured three All-MAAC first team selections (1994, 1995, 1996). Fryer's talents were also recognized with two All-MET (Metropolitan Basketball Writers) selections (1995, 1996).
Strumpf finished her career as the program's all-time scoring leader with 1,873 points, and placed second all-time with 1,106 rebounds. She secured the 1998 MAAC Rookie of the Year award, and capped her junior campaign as the MAAC Player of the Year. She was a three-time All-MAAC first team selection (1998, 2000, 2001). Strumpf ended her career among the all-time leaders in free throws made (455), blocked shots (244), and field goals made (749). Mikelic netted 1,681 points in 117 games with the women's basketball team, both of which ranked third on Fairfield's all-time career lists. She tallied a school record 590 assists and finished second all-time wiht 293 steals. The Stags captured two MAAC championships during his tenure (1988, 1991). Her MAAC awards included the 1998 MAAC Rookie of the Year and three All-MAAC first team selections.
Pellegrino was named the MAAC tournament most valuable player after leading the Stags to the conference title. She left Fairfield University as one of the program's top scorers with 1,530 points, and added 477 assists in 112 games. She secured the 1985 MAAC Rookie of the Year award, and is a two-time All-MAAC first team pick (1987, 1988). Pellegrino also earned an All-MAAC second team selection.
Sacca is one of only three Fairfield University women's basketball players to secure more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career. She left campus with 1,622 points and 1,037 rebounds in 115 games. She helped the Stags win the 1988 and 1991 MAAC tournament championship. She earned a spot on the 1988 MAAC All-Rookie team, and a berth on the 1989, 1990, and 1991 All-MAAC first team.
