November 20, 2005

SMITHFIELD, RI - New Jersey Institute of Technology women's soccer defender Dena Baskous was honored by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America on its 2005 all-New England Region second team.

Baskous, a sophomore, was a key player in helping NJIT post new program records for overall wins (8) and conference wins (7), while also making postseason play for the first time (2005 ECAC Division II Tournament)

In addition to helping the Highlanders shave nine goals against off their 2004 total (26 goals in 17 games in 2005 to 35 goals in 16 games in 2004), Baskous was the 2005 team's second-leading scorer, with 7 points on 3 goals and an assist.

Her goals came in three consecutive games from October 8 to 19 and two of them were crucial in clinching NJIT's third-place finish in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. On October 8, she netted the Highlanders' only goal in a 1-1 double overtime tie with Caldwell and on October 19, she got the only goal in a 1-0 win at Wilmington. In the Wilmington game, she was instrumental in keeping CACC scoring leader, Begum Malali (17 goals), off the board in the shutout win.

Baskous was voted to the All-CACC first team following her first season with NJIT.

Baskous' success in her NJIT debut came was not a surprise. A tall, athletic defender with the ability to push forward in the attack, she was a two-time high school all-state player in her native Alaska.

She attended the University of Connecticut as a freshman and  saw playing time for a team that won the 2004 Big East Tournament and advanced to the national Division I Sweet 16. She transferred to NJIT and is majoring in architecture.

Baskous is expected to lead the Highlanders for two more seasons, as they make the transition to NCAA Division I from NCAA Division II. The 2005 season marked both NJIT's most successful season in Division II, as well as its final season at that level. The Highlanders will play a Division I schedule in 2006 and become eligible for NCAA Division I postseason championship play in women's soccer in 2007.