Michigan State University Athletics
Pernicano And Rijpma Named All-Big Ten Second Team
11/3/2006 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Nov. 3, 2006
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State senior co-captain Ashley Pernicano and freshman Floor Rijpma have each been named to the All-Big Ten Second Team for the first time in their careers, while Amy Schnieder was named the Michigan State Sportsmanship honoree, as announced by the conference on Thursday. The duo of Pernicano and Rijpma has led the Michigan State offense during the regular season, combining for 40 of the Spartans' 106 points.
"It is nice to see that the coaches in the Big Ten realize the contributions that A.P. (Ashley Pernicano) and Floor (Rijpma) are making to MSU field hockey," said head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof. "They have contributed to the success of Michigan State, and continue to shine by being recognized for their effort by the Big Ten."
Pernicano, a San Diego, Calif., native, leads the team in points with 25 on 10 goals and five assists, including her first career hat trick against Yale on Sept. 14. A leader on the field, Pernicano was named co-captain for her final season in Green and White, and has since led Michigan State to a 6-2 record during games she has scored.
Rijmpa also collects All-Big Ten Second Team honors for the first time in her career, after tallying a team-high three game-winners this season. Rijpma joined the Spartans from Bunnick, The Netherlands, contributing 15 points in her freshman campaign. She also leads the team in shots taken and shots on goal.
Michigan State co-captain Amy Schneider was chosen as the Sportsmanship honoree from Michigan State for her commitment to the team and the university on and off the playing field. The junior from Louisville, Ky., has six assists this season and has started each of the 17 games in which she has played.
"Amy (Schneider) has shown that she cares about everything that affects the team on and off the field," said Van de Kerkhof. "She leads by example, and is not afraid to speak up. With that, she motivates herself and teammates, and shows good sportsmanship. She is an all-around good person and player that a coach would like to have for years to come."
A total of 24 players from each of the seven field hockey teams in the Big Ten Conference were named to either the All-Big Ten First or Second Teams, while one player from each team was given the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. Conference champion Ohio State collected three of the five individual honors as Saskia Mueller and Yesenia Luces were named Player and Offensive Player of the Year, respectively. In addition, Ohio State's Anne Wilkinson picked up Big Ten Coach of the Year honors. In other individual laurels, Iowa's Heather Schnepf collected her second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year accolade, while teammate Meghan Beamesderfer was tabbed the Freshman of the Year.
