June 1, 2007

STONY BROOK, N.Y. - Face-off specialist Chris Colliniates was selected by the New Jersey Pride in last night's 2007 Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft. Colliniates was chosen in the third round as the 25th overall pick. As a member of the New Jersey Pride, Colliniates will be coached by Peter Jacobs as they try to conquer the MLL Eastern Conference, which also includes the Boston Cannons, Long Island Lizards, Philadelphia Barrage, Rochester Rattlers, and Washington Bayhawks.

The MLL Collegiate Draft consisted of five rounds of picking comprised of amateur and collegiate athletes whose eligibility expired at the conclusion of the 2007 season. There were 50 players selected, Colliniates being one of New Jersey's only two picks. The Chicago Machine received the most selections with eight new players, while the Rochester Rattlers brought in seven.

Colliniates put forth a tremendous senior campaign as Villanova's resident face-off specialist. The Atlantic Beach, N.Y. native won 193 of 311 face-offs (.621) this year ranking him second in the Colonial Athletic Association and sixth in the NCAA in the face-off win percentage category. With this season's numbers, Colliniates catapulted himself into third among Villanova's all-time career leaders in face-offs. His impressive performance this year also secured himself the first place position for career ground balls at Villanova with 342. His 127 ground balls this season alone sealed Colliniates the top ranking in the NCAA in ground balls per game (9.07).

For his outstanding play this season, Colliniates was not only rewarded with a spot in the MLL, but he was also recognized by the CAA and his own team. As a senior, he was named the CAA Player of the Week for the week of April 3, and was placed on the all-conference second team. In addition, Colliniates was the recipient of the Most Valuable Player and Team Ground Ball Awards for Villanova.