Oct. 13, 2006

BEVERLY, MA - By Brian Sonneborn

Junior forward Paula McGinn (Lynn, MA/Lynn Classical), has guided the Gulls to a 12-2 record, tallying 23 goals and adding three assists for a conference best 49 points. Opposing coaches have taken notice to McGinn's talents, as she has been named the CCC Player of the Week as well as the ECAC Player of the Week. For her efforts, she has also been named the Endicott Athlete of the Week.

The league's reigning MVP, McGinn has the Gulls sitting comfortably atop the conference standings with a 10-0 record. The Gulls are looking to capture their fourth consecutive conference championship; a feat that McGinn thinks is well with in reach due to the team's chemistry and communication skills on the field.

"This team is so much closer than we have been in the past which has really helped our play on the field," said McGinn, who has scored multiple goals in three games this season. "To win a fourth championship would be a great accomplishment because it would show how talented the senior class is."

Although the seniors may have a lot of talent, it is McGinn who has stolen the show. A former soccer, basketball, and softball standout at Lynn Classical High School, McGinn has the second most points in the country (49), and averages 3.15 points per game, good for ninth in the nation.

McGinn thinks that this year's team is one of the most talented that she has played on at Endicott due to its depth. Every member of the team has seen playing time this season, and fourteen different players have scored goals.

"The level of play does not drop when a reserve steps on the field. This team has great depth from the starters to the bench players," said McGinn, who also stars on the Endicott softball team.

McGinn is not one to take all of the credit for the team's success and credits her teammates and coaches for her high level of play.

"The other forwards really make it easier for me along with the help of my fellow teammates. My coach has shown that she has confidence in me which makes me believe in myself that I can get it done on the field."

Endicott is ranked fifth in New England and has four games remaining, all of which will be played at home. With a likely number one seed in the upcoming CCC tournament, McGinn and the Gulls will look to make their fourth consecutive NCAA tournament appearance.