All-Conference forward to lead Matildas in 2002 Australia Cup vs. South Korea

RINDGE, N.H. (December 19, 2001) - Franklin Pierce forward April Mann (Brisbane, Australia/Saint Thomas More) was named to the Australian National Team this week by National Team coach Adrian Santrac.

Mann is one of 18 members who will lead "The Matildas" in the 2002 Australia Cup against South Korea in January. Australia is making its initial steps towards the 2003 World Cup and the Athens Olympic Games.

"I was very happy to have this selection dilemma, which was created by the performance of the players in camp - it was a very difficult decision to come to a final team," said Santrac of his selections.

"We have a side which is very physically strong, a very well balanced group of players which will enable us to create different variations of play. They are very mobile and quick, strong defensively and with the potential to attack effectively."

Mann earned three caps for Australia at the 2001 Australia Cup against France. She netted the Cup-clinching goal in the 52nd minute for "The Matildas" in a 1-0 victory in the third game of the series as Australia posted a 2-0-1 mark against France.

Mann earned first team All-Northeast-10 Conference honors this fall at Franklin Pierce as she finished the season tied for second in the Conference with 47 points on 17 goals (four gamewinners) and 13 assists. She netted the gamewinning goal in overtime to lead Franklin Pierce to a 1-0 victory at Lock Haven University in the NCAA Division II Quarterfinals.

The Franklin Pierce women's soccer team wrapped up its 2001 season with a 22-1 record and ranked No. 3 in the final NSCAA Division II poll. The Ravens 22 wins set a school record and matched the Division II mark. Franklin Pierce advanced to the NCAA Final Four for a record tenth-straight season, but had its quest for a record sixth National Championship halted in the semifinals.