TOWSON, Md. --- The Landmark Conference has selected 55 student-athletes to be named to the Spring All-Sportsmanship Team. The All-Sportsmanship Team includes one student-athlete from each institution for each sport and is selected by the players and coaches from their respective team.
The All-Sportsmanship Team recognizes student-athletes who epitomize the ideals of sportsmanship. The student-athletes selected demonstrate fair play, graciousness in victory and respectfulness in defeat. They are ambassadors for the team, both on and off the field, and galvanize their teammates toward their goals. These student-athletes exhibit respect for themselves, teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, spectators, and the greater campus community.
Of the 55 student-athletes on the All-Sportsmanship Team, 19 were named All-Landmark an 29 are part of the Landmark Academic Honor Roll. Many of the student-athletes are leaders and influential members of their teams, campuses and communities.
The All-Sportsmanship Team was created by the Landmark Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) in 2013 as a way to highlight student-athletes who are making an impact. The Landmark previously awarded a Sportsmanship Cup before the All-Sportsmanship Team replaced the Cup for the 2013-14 academic year.
Baseball
Senior center fielder Joseph Connell is the baseball team's selection to the All-Sportsmanship Team. He is hitting .306 this season with 52 hits in a team-leading 170 at-bats to go along with 26 runs, eight doubles, two triples and 36 RBIs. Connell was named to the Landmark All-Conference Second Team, and he is one of three players to start all 42 games this season as the Greyhounds are ranked No. 21 in the nation and have won a school-record 32 contests. Connell is third in school history with 174 career hits with 52 coming this season along with 26 runs, eight doubles, two triples, 36 RBIs and a team-high 18 stolen bases.
"Joey is a great kid on and off the field and deserving of the honor," said Head Coach Paul Engelhardt. "He is not your typical leader. He is more compassionate than most kids, and I couldn't think of anyone else that is more derserving."
Softball
Senior infielder Leann Ventriglia has been named to the Landmark All-Sportsmanship Team as the representative for Moravian softball. Ventriglia played in 33 games this spring while starting 25. She hit .320 for the year with eight hits, five runs, two doubles, a homer and five RBIs. Ventriglia added 34 putouts and 59 assists in the field while seeing time at shortstop and third base.
"Leann has been a team player who has played hard and respected the game throughout her career at Moravian," stated Head Coach John Byrne.
Men's Tennis
Sophomore Matt Tuorto is the men's tennis selection to the All-Sportsmanship Team. Tuorto helped the Greyhounds reach the Landmark Tournament as the fourth seed, and he earned a spot on the Landmark All-Conference Second Team in doubles for the second consecutive season. Tuorto played first singles this spring after seeing time at second and third singles as well, and he had a 10-13 record. In doubles, Tuorto played in the top spot with sophomore John Wylie, and the duo had an 11-8 mark.
"Matt exhibits what Division III sports are all about," Head Coach Art Smith said. "He has a dedication to his team and teammates, a fierce competitive spirit but complete respect for his opponents, win or lose."
Women's Tennis
Senior Katie Zien was named to the Landmark All-Sportsmanship Team as the representative for the women's tennis squad. Zien earned a spot on the Landmark All-Conference First Team in singles and was on the Second Team in doubles. She was 16-4 in singles action with an 11-3 mark at third singles where she was undefeated against conference competition. Zien played second doubles with freshman Brittney Eady, and the pair had a 17-3 overall record with a 16-2 slate at second doubles. Zien, who was on the Landmark All-Conference First Team in doubles three times and the Second Team in singles once in her four seasons, posted a career singles mark of 44-21.
"Katie, our captain this year, was thrilled to learn she was on the Landmark Spring Sportsmanship Team as this was an honor she both wanted and deserved," stated Head Coach Dawn Ketterman-Benner. "Landmark coaches all complement Katie on her excellent and fair play and she will be greatly missed by all."
Outdoor Track & Field
Junior Mike Hofmann is the 2014 men's outdoor track & field selection to the Landmark All-Sportsmanship Team after also being on the Winter All-Sportsmanship Team. Hofmann competed in the 100 meter dash and 400 meter hurdles during the outdoor season for the Greyhounds, and he helped Moravian finish as the runner-up at the Landmark meet.
Junior Emily Lambright has been named to the All-Sportsmanship Team from the women's outdoor track & field program after also earning the honor for the women's cross country and women's indoor track & field squads. Lambright earned All-Conference Second Team honors at the 2014 Landmark Outdoor Championships with a runner-up finish in the 5,000 meter run and she was third in the 1,500 meter run as Moravian won its seventh straight Landmark title, and she was named to the Landmark Academic Honor Roll as well.
"Mike and Emily are both great representatives of Moravian's program," said head coach Jesse Baumann. "They are both well aware of what their competition is doing all season long and during the meets, yet remain extremely respectful, congratulating their rivals after races and wishing them luck beforehand. They are great examples of how to conduct yourselves as an NCAA student athlete."
