Weeks, Chellis and DeStasio earn all-conference softball honors

Sophomore pitcher Michelle Weeks (Bunnell, Fla./ Flagler Palm Coast), junior catcher Jessica Chellis (Tunkhannock, Pa.) and sophomore utility player Marisa DeStasio (Bethlehem, Pa.) have each been named America East All-Conference for the 2003 season. Weeks and Chellis were at-large selections to the first team while DeStasio was named to the second team.

For Weeks, the honor marks the conclusion of a stellar sophomore campaign. She went 10-6 with a team-best 1.34 ERA as well as a school-record 143 strikeouts. In addition, she broke the school record for strikeouts in a game, with 17 against Vermont on April 12. Weeks also threw seven complete-game shutouts.

"After taking a year off, Michelle really came back to our program and proved to be an immediate impact player," head coach Holly Brown said. "She is a rather intense individual on the field which really helped to further institute a very competitive demeanor for the rest of the team."

Chellis has now been named all-conference twice, having also been named to the first team last season. She led the Bearcats with three home runs as well as 13 RBI and finished fourth on the team in batting (.246). Despite a number of injuries, she started in all but one game this season.

"Chellis was a very determined athlete this season.," Brown said. "Even though she was plagued by many injuries, she never delineated her intensity on the field. She proved that she was a workhorse this season and she is a true team player."

DeStasio finished fifth on the team in hitting (.228) while playing both in the infield and outfield. She started in 36 games. Like Weeks, this is the first time she has earned all-conference honors.

"Marisa has an extraordinary work ethic and her extra efforts this season really helped her in crucial situations on the field," Brown said. "She had an explicit year and we are optimistic that she will continue rising to the challenge for years to come."

Binghamton finished the 2003 season with a 17-22 record and was 7-13 in the America East Conference.

Complete All-Conference Teams