Jackie McCormick and Nichole Lopez named first team All-Northeast Conference; Tiffany Clendenning tabbed second team

11/4/04 -- Junior Jackie McCormick (Liverpool, N.Y.) and senior Nichole Lopez (Highland Mills, N.Y.), who each were tabbed second team All-Northeast Conference a season ago, today were selected first team and senior Tiffany Clendenning (Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y.) made second team for Long Island University.

McCormick has enjoyed another solid season for LIU (8-6-2, 4-3-2 NEC), matching last year’s career best with six goals to place her tied for sixth in the league. The 5-9 forward, who is tied for the team lead and tied for seventh in the NEC with 13 points, has made herself a solid player thanks to her outstanding shooting skills and creative play.

Lopez has taken her place as one of the league’s standout midfielders. A physical presence and a great leader, the 5-6 captain this season has scored four goals and, like McCormick, is tied for seventh in the league with 13 points. Always a team player is every respect, Lopez leads the squad and is tied for sixth in the NEC with five assists.

They are the first Blackbirds to be named first team All-NEC since Larissa Swartzlander and Lauren Grant in 2000.

Clendenning has been a mainstay on the Blackbirds’ defense for four years, earning her first NEC accolade thanks to her tenacious play. That play has helped LIU post five shutouts this season and held its opponents to 1.06 goals per game, tops in the league.

The Blackbirds have an excellent shot of qualifying for the ECAC Tournament for the first time in school history. The four-team field is scheduled to be announced Monday.