May 13, 2005

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Several members of the Maryland women's water polo team were honored at the squad's end-of-season banquet May 8. Junior goalie Marissa Corwin (Orinda, Calif.) was named Most Valuable Player, as voted by her teammates.

Corwin registered 196 blocks in 26 games, an average of 7.5 per game. She allowed 204 goals for a 49.0 save percentage. She also added 28 steals and seven assists.

"Marissa was not only a great goalie defensively, but she was great at getting the ball out and into the team's fast break, and she did a great job as a leader in the pool," first-year head coach Carl Salyer said.

Corwin was also named team captain for the 2006 season.

Freshman Allie Houseal (Harleysville, Pa.) was voted Rookie of the Year. She scored 15 goals and shot at a 20.5 percent clip, and she recorded 25 steals and eight assists. Houseal and senior Juli Jordan (Springfield, Va.) were both named Best Defenders. Jordan was second on the team with 38 steals.

"Both were always solid defensively," Salyer said. "They were able to often shut their players down and they did a great job with helping to their teammates defensively."

Jordan also won the Utility Award for most versatile player, excelling at both the offensive and defensive parts of the game. She was third on the team with 30 goals scored, second in shooting percentage at 34.5 percent and second in assists with 15.

"Juli showed the ability and the desire to play every position, and did according to the needs of the team," Salyer said.

Jordan's third honor of the night was the Hustle Award, given to the player who exhibited the most hustle in games, practices and workouts and also led by example.

"Being named best defense and utility award, Juli accomplished this by her hard work all season," Salyer said. "Juli was a vital part of the team, and her work ethic and competitiveness were important to the team."

Sophomore Audrey Lopez (Elkton, Md.) won the Sportsmanship Award, given to the team member who exhibited ideal sportsmanship in the pool and out.

"Audrey always played with passion, always supported her teammates, and always had a positive attitude no matter what the situation," Salyer said.

Sophomore Cathy Popadiuk (Bryan, Texas) was named Most Improved Player. She scored three goals on the season and added three steals.

"Cathy improved in every area of the game, especially in her knowledge of the game and her ability to attack the opposing goal," Salyer said.

Senior Colleen McShane (Chicago, Ill.) won the Coaches Award, the only honor not voted on by team members. The Coaches Award is given by Salyer and assistant coach Adrian Rawn to the player or players who exhibited outstanding qualities in athletics, academics and citizenship.

McShane was second on the team with 41 goals scored and third in shooting percentage at 33.1 percent. She also led the team with 43 steals and was third in assists with 13.

"Colleen overcame injuries in both shoulders to be a pivotal player on the team," Salyer said. "She was not able to train or play at her level of expertise, but found new ways to be a major contributor to the team. Even though she was not able to train at the level that she wanted, she was positive and focused, and was a major part of the success of the team this year."

In addition, senior Sarah Wahba (Crofton, Md.) was honored at the President's Cup Brunch, which was co-sponsored by the M Club and the Terrapin Club. She won the Academic Achievement Award, which was given to the junior or senior from each team with the highest cumulative grade point average.