Michelle Astuccio Named to ESPN All-Academic Team

Worcester, MA --- Worcester State women's soccer defender Michelle Astuccio has been honored on the ESPN The Magazine All-District I College Division third team by the College Sports Information Directors of America (Co-SIDA). Astuccio was also tabbed for third team honors in 2006.

Astuccio, who has been named to the MASCAC All-Academic team three times, has earned 3.48 GPA while majoring in Nursing. Astuccio also has been distinguished on the Worcester State College Academic Honor roll for five out of six semesters enrolled.

Astuccio, a senior co-captain, has been a key defender down the stretch as the Lancers have made three NCAA appearances and she has also helped the team post 40 shutouts in 79 games. On offense she has two goals and six assists in her career at Worcester State, which includes a marker and three helpers this season. Astuccio was a first team All-MASCAC selection last year, honored on the second team in 2006 and named the MASCAC rookie of the year in 2005.

The third seeded Lancers look to return to the NCAA Tournament when they will travel to second seeded Bridgewater State for the semi-finals of the MASCAC Conference Tournament at 2 PM on Wednesdsay. Last season Worcester State was ousted in the Sweet 16 round of the tournament with a 1-2 loss in double overtime to Western Connecticut.