For the sixth time this season, a College of Staten Island women’s soccer star has taken CUNYAC Player of the Week honors, and for the first time, that honor will belong to freshman Melissa Gelardi. The three-time CUNYAC Rookie of the Week, earned the new citation when she played her first collegiate game both in the field and between the pipes, in CSI’s only game against Drew University.
Gelardi, most noted for her ability to dish the ball to her teammates to the tune of a CSI single-season record 11 assists to date, was a stop-gap against Drew in goal for the Dolphins. After playing in the first half, Gelardi and her unit was down 4-0 at halftime, so Gelardi put on the mitts and headed for the goal. Despite the 5-0 final, gelardi was exceptional in the second frame, turning back 9 shots in 45 minutes as the Rangers continued to step on the gas. CSI was out-shot, 37-8, in the contest.
For the season Gelardi is one of eight Dolphins who has played in every game this season, spreading out a pair of goals next to 11 assists for 15 points, third best on the squad. The 11 assists are an all-time single season high, breaking the former mark of 9 set by both Tina Chechel in 2006 and again by teammate Christina Sgarlato last year.
On’s the men’s side, fellow frosh Alfonso Casteneda was given an Honorable Mention citation for CUNYAC Men’s Rookie of the Week. He netted his sixth goal of the season this weekend against regional power New York University.
The CSI women get back underway tomorrow in their regular season home finale against SUNY-Purchase at 4pm.
