College of Staten Island standouts Lisa Lamanna and Alba Basha were named all-stars in their respective sports by way of the City University of New York Athletic Conference. Lamanna, a junior torch-bearer with the Women’s Cross-Country team was given the CUNYAC’s inaugural Sportsmanship Award in her respective sport, while Basha, the former CUNYAC Libero of the Year in Women’s Volleyball was named a 1st-team All-Star, joining five other standout players.
Lamanna enjoyed another year of rousing success for the Dolphins. A member of the squad since CSI became a varsity program in 2007, Lamanna did not disappoint on the trails this season. She finished tops amongst CSI runners in every meet this season, and her top time of 26:40 in the 6k Brooklyn College Invitational was good for first overall in the field. She enjoyed a total of three Top Five finishes this season, including her time at the CUNYAC Championship, where she came in second overall.
Her times, however, were only part of her award this year. A constant fixture at the top, it was Lamanna’s grace on the competitive field and her leadership role as captain and committed Dolphin that garnered her this year’s Sportsmanship Award through the CUNYAC, the conferences first-ever award in this category.
“Lisa is a leader by example,” commented CSI head coach Robert Russo-Vikos. “It’s great that she won this award, because it really speaks to her dedication and the model she displays on the field.”
The CUNYAC Sportsmanship Award is voted on by the CUNYAC coaches.
Volleyball standout Alba Basha has been making waves at CSI for her entire career. The four-year senior captain championed CSI through the programs course into legitimacy and she led the Dolphins in a host of categories this season playing nearly every position on the court. Predominantly a setter this season, she led the way in assists (316) while also pacing CSI in service aces (72) and defensive digs (278). The reigning CUNYAC Libero of the Year was a constant on the floor, missing only one match the entire season.
“She is our catalyst,” said head coach Rose Ruesing. “She is the backbone of our team. Every time we have asked her to step up, she has done everything in her power to help our team be successful.”
Basha led the Dolphins to another positive season within conference play (5-4 overall) and a CUNYAC Postseason Quarterfinal appearance.