February 18, 2009 - Geneva College
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February 18, 2009

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Van Zanic

Director of Sports Information

(724) 847-6886

vgzanic@geneva.edu

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 18, 2009

SENIOR SEND OFF, GENEVA SAYS GOOD-BYE TO
SENIORS IN GRAND STYLE

Beaver Falls, PA - Justin Nardi has spent the last four years diving for balls, running into walls and doing whatever it takes to help the Geneva College men′s basketball team win games. In the same gymnasium that he spent countless hours shooting and honing his skills, Nardi said good-bye to Metheny Fieldhouse for the final time on Wednesday night as Geneva College recognized its 2009 senior class. Nardi and his two senior counterparts were sent off in style with a 100-75 victory over Thiel College. It was the first back to back victories for a Golden Tornadoes team that improved to 8-16 on the season. Meanwhile, Thiel fell to 2-21 on the season.

While the night started as a tribute to Nardi for his clutch work over the last four years, the evening ended with a frenzied fieldhouse crowd after senior Steve Bauthier scored his first collegiate points. Nardi, Bauthier and Ryan Lynch were the only three seniors on the roster and each enjoyed memorable senior night experiences. Nardi led the Geneva offense with 18 points while Lynch posted a career high ten points. Bauthier, who came out for the team this year, spent most of his season on the junior varsity squad. After sinking a free throw late in Geneva′s lopsided victory, Bauthier brought down the house with a three-point field goal that proved to be the explanation point to an overly successful night. "What a thrill for these guys," said head coach Jeff Santarsiero. "This trio has worked extremely hard and I am so happy that we were able to win the way we did. Justin has been an absolute treat for four years and one of the best point guards we have had during my time. He epitomizes the hard work and dedication that our guys put into this program."

Geneva jumped all over Thiel early and often and shot an impressive 66% from the field in the first half. The Golden Tornadoes took a 53-34 lead into halftime and never looked back. "We wanted to get out early and we did just that," said Santarsiero. "When we shoot the ball like we did tonight, we can compete with anyone. It was a fun night all around."

In addition to Nardi′s 18 points, Dave Phillips canned 3-4 from three-point range and finished with 16 points. Lambros Svingos came off the bench to score nine points and grab six rebounds in the victory. Thiel got a team best 19 points from Nick Sefscik in the sixth straight loss for the Tomcats.

The Golden Tornadoes will travel to New Wilmington on Saturday to close out the season against long time rival Westminster College in the 201st edition of one of the longest standing rivalries in the country.

Feb 18, 2009