Dec. 12, 2008
Contact: Greg Murphy
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland State men's soccer standout Jeff Baker and volleyball stars Amy Benz and Liz Fazio have all been selected to the 2008 Horizon League Fall Academic All-League team for their successes in the classroom and in competition.
The league office made the announcement on Friday, Dec. 12.
Baker, who has a 3.61 grade point average as a psychology major, tallied five points on two goals and one assist, starting eight of the 20 matches he appeared in. He assisted on the game-winning goal in CSU's 2-1 overtime victory against Green Bay and scored the game-tying goal with five minutes left in 3-3 overtime tie with Niagara. A native of Vermillion, Ohio, Baker earned CSU's Academic Excellence Award in 2007 and 2008.
Benz was named to the academic all-league team with a 3.75 GPA as an accounting major. On the court, she was named to All-Horizon League first team for second straight year and Horizon League All-Tournament team for second straight season. In three matches at the league championship, Benz totaled 37 kills and 18 blocks, while hitting .402 to lead CSU to runner-up finish. She had 17 kills and just one error in 24 attempts for a .667 attack percentage in 3-1 win at Kent State in season finale. The Tiffin, Ohio native earned CSU's Athletic Academic Excellence Award in 2007.
Fazio, who carries a 3.88 GPA as a biology major, is making her third consecutive appearance on the squad. She amassed 206 kills, 193 digs and 39 blocks this season, while hitting .156. Fazio totaled 32 kills in three league championship matches, including 11 in finals vs. Milwaukee and 12 in semifinals against Valparaiso. She is a three-time recipient of CSU's Athletic Academic Excellence Award (2006, 2007, 2008).
The Horizon League recognizes student-athletes with seasonal Academic All-League teams in each of its 19 championship sports. To be eligible for Academic All-Horizon League consideration, a student-athlete must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) and have completed at least one year at the member institution, having earned 24 semester-hour or 36 quarter-hour credits.
