May 10, 2001

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - Lafayette junior Tye Gonser (The Dalles, Ore./The Dalles) and sophomore Matt Tambellini (Millville, N.J./Sacred Heart) have been selected to the Verizon District II Academic All-America team.

A First-Team honoree, Gonser hit a team-leading .420 from the leadoff spot while starting 24 of 25 games he played in. His hot hitting and his season came to an end when a pitched ball struck him in the hand and fractured a bone. Academically, he maintains a 3.52 grade point average (GPA) in Economics and Business.

Gonser adds this honor to his All-Patriot League Second Team selection announced Wednesday. Gonser was also named All-Patriot League Second Team in 1999, when he hit .340 as a rookie. Gonser will now be placed on a national ballot that will determine the Verizon Academic-All American Team.

Tambellini divided his time between first base and the pitching rubber, but his post-season accolades have come at first base. Tambellini hit .351 for the season and played in 40 of Lafayette's 42 games. He cranked out three home runs and 23 RBI. His .975 fielding percentage was the best of any of Lafayette's everyday starters.

Tambellini's steady, productive play did not go unrecognized by Patriot League coaches, as he was one of five Lafayette players voted to the All-Patriot League Second Team. In the classroom, Tambellini was equally consistent, submitting a 3.80 GPA while majoring in Business and Economics.

The Verizon District II Academic All-America Team was selected by sports information directors from a ballot of nominations submitted by member schools. In order to be eligible, nominees must have reached their sophomore year, maintain a minimum of a 3.2 GPA, and be a starter or key reserve on their team.

-www.lafayette.edu-