December 13, 2010

HAMDEN, Conn. - Junior forward Furtuna Velaj (Stamford, Conn.) of the Quinnipiac women's soccer team was recently named to the 2010 New England Women's Intercollegiate Soccer Association (NEWISA) All-New England second team for Division I, as announced by the NEWISA. This is the third time that Velaj has been selected to the All-New England second team.

"While Furtuna's overall statistics went down from 200,9 her consistency as a player improved and she became more of a team player, said Quinnipiac head coach Dave Clarke. "The fact that she did not score as many goals as her previous two seasons and yet was still recognized with All New England honors demonstrates the respect the coaches in the region have for her as a player. It is a nice honor for Furtuna as a player and reflects well on her teammates too," said Clarke.

Velaj led the Bobcats with 19 points, seven goals and five assists this year. The junior earned another post-season accolade as she was named to the Northeast Conference All-Conference first team, for the third-consecutive season. Also, Velaj was named aides/NEC Player of the Week twice during the 2010 season.

Velaj is one of five players from the Northeast Conference selected to the All-New England teams. Joining Velaj on the second team, are Sacred Heart goalie Megan Reichelt, Central Connecticut State defender Abigail Graham and forward Beth Loyd, while Sacred Heart defender Jasmine Rodriguez was named to the first team. The two All-New England teams were formed based upon votes by Division I women's soccer coaches in the New England area.