On the eve of their title defense the College of Staten Island women’s soccer team learned that four of its players, one from each of its academic classes were named City University of New York Athletic Conference All-Stars, it was announced today. Senior Adrianna Parello, junior Catherine Mulligan, sophomore Nicole Mignone and freshman Brittany Bornstad were all voted onto CUNYAC’s elite crew as decided on by the conference’s coaches. They joined senior Kaitlin Russo, who was named to the conference’s All-Sportsmanship Team.
After missing the entire 2015 season due to injury, Parello returned to play 17 games in 2016, and backed it up with an All-Star selection this year patrolling the defensive line while lending herself up top on the attack when called upon. The versatile senior thrived, starting 16 of 17 games this season, registering a single goal on 14 shots, the game-winner against Keystone College. She also spread three assists this season, raising her career total to six, and matching her number from a year ago. Spending a majority of her time on the defensive side, Parello’s presence helped CSI allow just a pair of goals to conference opponents.
Last year’s CUNYAC Defender of the Year, Catherine Mulligan is not one for stats, as the junior has registered no offensive numbers and just a lone shot this year, but the fixture at center back has been an absolute anchor on the back line for the Dolphins, who boast 10 total shutouts and have not allowed a goal in over 280 minutes going into the playoff push. Mulligan has logged over 1,200 minutes this season, making 15 starts in 16 appearances. A two time CUNYAC Defender of the Week this season, Mulligan has earned the honor four times in her already-decorated career.
Sophomore Nicole Mignone has spearheaded the Dolphins’ offensive effort. A two-time Defender of the Week last year, she spent most of her time between the pipes a year ago as the team’s primary goalkeeper, but her switch to forward has proven fruitful, as she boasts a team-high eight goals to go with four assists for another team-best 20 points. Mignone posts a shooting percentage of .400, maximizing on 20 shots taken at goal. She registered CSI’s only hat trick this season in a 7-0 win over Brooklyn College and has two game-winners. Alongside a goal last year, Mignone has nine career markers on 22 shots on target.
Rounding out the list of All-Stars is freshman Brittany Bornstad, who has had a tremendous freshman campaign. The first-year midfielder has bounced in four goals and an assist on 19 shots this season, logging well over 800 minutes on the pitch. Bornstad has made six starts this season and took home CUNYAC Rookie of the Week honors on October 23. She scored the game-winner against St. Joseph’s College and then scored a valuable insurance tally in CSI’s 3-0 win over John Jay College to secure the CUNYAC Regular Season Championship on the season’s final day.
Rounding out the honorees was senior Kaitlin Russo, who has played more career games and minutes than any Dolphin on the roster, and was named the CUNYAC’s Tournament Most Valuable Player a year ago. The senior has been a galvanizing force on what is a team balanced by a host of first and second year faces.
Lehman College’s Daisy Gomez was named the CUNYAC’s Player of the Year, following an 11-goal season in 17 games for the Lightning, while John Jay’s Kimberly Robledo was named Rookie of the Year, leading the way with 14 goals and 28 points. JJC Head Coach Casey Sommers was named Coach of the Year.
