DATE: June 21, 2004

RICHMOND, VA -- University of Delaware junior attackman Andy Hipple, who led the Blue Hens to a 10-6 record and a berth in the Colonial Athletic Association semifinals this past spring, has been named the CAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year for men's lacrosse, the CAA announced Monday.

Hipple, a junior from Moorestown, NJ (Moorestown HS), was one of 10 spring sport student-athletes honored as their sport's Scholar-Athlete of the Year from a vote of CAA sports information directors. The conference honors one Scholar-Athlete in each of its 21 championship sports. Nominees for the award must be a starter or important reserve on their team and must meet the Academic All-America minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.20.

Hipple was the third Delaware student-athlete honored this season as field hockey standout Leah Geib was honored during the fall season and swimmer Sara Stephens received the award during the winter.

A Dean's List student and a three-time CAA Commissioner's Academic Award recipient, Hipple carries a 3.363 grade point index as a finance major and has served as a H.E.N.S. (Helping Each Newcomer Succeed) Peer Mentor at Delaware.

A three-year starter on attack, Hipple was third on the team in scoring with 24 points this season, recording 19 goals and five assists. He also picked up 24 ground balls. His efforts helped lead the Hens to a 10-5 record, a No. 11 national ranking, and the team's first trip to the CAA semifinals. Hipple has scored three or more goals in a game seven times and has 46 goals and 15 assists for his career.

In addition to Hipple, earning the CAA Scholar-Athlete Award in the spring sports were: Jeff Palumbo of George Mason University in baseball, Mike Larkin of Towson University in men's golf, Ann Schnell of the College of William & Mary in women's golf, Laurie Bean of Drexel University in women's lacrosse, Alexis Alcantara of Hofstra University in softball, Pedro Nieto of Virginia Commonwealth University in men's tennis, Nataly Cahana of Old Dominion University in women's tennis, Chris Parsons of the College of William & Mary in men's track and field, and Kelly Baker of James Madison University in women's track and field.