SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. –  SNHU graduate student Chris Valentine (Derry, N.H.) and senior Ben Yanakakis (Ipswich, Mass.) represented the Penmen in the New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (NEILA) East-West All-Star Game on Friday night.   They competed for the West team.

Fifty-one players from Divisions 1, 2 & 3 were selected for this year's All-Star Game, which was played tonight at Scotts Miracle Gro Athletic Complex on the campus of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. 

All players and coaches were nominated by the head coaches within the NEILA.  Players were then ranked and selected by a committee, awarding seniors from all three NCAA Divisions who played their college career in the New England region. This all-star game is the only one of its kind, being a regional all-star game which includes players from Divisions 1, 2, and 3. 

"This is a great opportunity to highlight the college careers of these young men. For many, it is one last time for them to play an organized game against such high competition. It is also a chance to compete with players you may have battled against throughout your college career," said Tim Murphy, head coach of Johnson & Wales, president of NEILA and coordinator of the East-West All-Star team selection.

The NEILA East-West game also gives assistant coaches from some of the top programs each year the opportunity to take the reins as the coaching staff of each team.  The coaches are also nominated by the head coaches who are members of the NEILA. It is a great opportunity for assistants to put their flair on the game. 

This year, the West was coached by Alex Fioritto (Trinity) and Will Cullen (Saint Joseph CT). The East staff was led by Dave Haddeland (Salve Regina), Spencer Low (UMass Boston) and Matt Gilbert (Saint Joseph's Maine).