BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo women's crew team presented its team awards for the 2000-01 season at the annual Athletic Awards Banquet held at Samuel's Grande Manor.

Head coach Meg Barnes made the following presentations: Mary Conniff (Camden, NY/Camden) was selected as the Top Newcomer; Karey Smollar (Buffalo, NY/Hutch-Tech) earned the Most Improved Player Award; Tracy Torelli (Jamesville, NY/Jamesville-Dewitt) received the Coach's Award; and Katy Frank (Rotterdam, NY/Mohonasen) was named the team's Most Valuable Player.

The Top Newcomer Award is presented to the individual student- athlete who distinguishes herself as the most talented new player on the team or the individual who accomplishes the greatest achievements as a first-year player. Conniff, a freshman, was a member of Buffalo's novice four boat that rowed to a first-place finish at the New York State Championships on May 6 and at the SUNY Championships on April 21.

The Most Improved Player Award is presented to the student- athlete who has made the greatest stride or improvement in her performance from the previous season or from the beginning of the season to the end of the season. Smollar rowed with UB's lightweight eight boat that took first place in a meet with Ithaca and Marist on March 31 and at the Head of the Niagara on October 14 during the fall season.

The Coach's Award is selected by the head coach and is given to the student-athlete who best exemplifies the team virtues as defined by the head coach. The recipient is one who stands out in dedication, commitment, unselfishness and enthusiasm towards helping the team improve. Torelli was also a member of Buffalo's novice four boat that rowed to a first-place finish at the New York State Championships on May 6 and at the SUNY Championships on April 21. She also rowed with the first-place finishing varsity eight boat at the Head of the Niagara on October 14 during the fall season.

The Most Valuable Player Award is given to the student-athlete who makes the most significant contribution to the accomplishments of the team through her skills and leadership. Frank served as team captain for the Bulls in 2000-01, and she was a member of the varsity eight boat that finished first at the Head of the Niagara on October 14 during the fall season. She also competed in the open division at the C.R.A.S.H.B. World Indoor Rowing Championships held at Boston's Reggie Lewis Track and Field Center in February where she placed 223rd out of 275 entrants using ergonomic rowing machines.

UB's women's crew team recently placed seventh at the New York State Championships after winning the SUNY Championships. The Bulls will participate in the Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia, PA this coming weekend.