MACON, GA – Senior Jay Ayres (Valrico, Fla.) was named the Atlantic Sun Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, it was announced on Tuesday. He was also named to the All-Atlantic Sun first team for the second cosecutive year. Senior Ian Schinelli (Naperville, Ill.) was named to the All-Atlantic Sun second team and freshman T.J. Brown (Hendersonville, Tenn.) was also named to the All-Freshman team.

Ayres has had a distinguished career with the Bruins, has started 67 matches he has played for Belmont. He was a preseason selection to the 2007 All A-Sun team. This season, he has one goal and has anchored a defense that has notched six shutouts. Ayres was named the A-Sun Defender of the Week for Sept. 17 and to the Hilltopper Classic All-Tournament team on Sept. 16. He has also been named to the A-Sun All-Academic team all three years he has been eligible for the honor.

“Jay’s success with us has been consistent for all four years he has been here,” said Belmont head coach Earle Davidson. “He defends well, takes care of the ball and is a dominant force in the air.”

This is the third consecutive year that Belmont has had a team member named the A-Sun Defensive Player of the Year. Former Bruin J.P. Rodrigues received the honor in 2005.

Schinelli has been named to an All-Atlantic Sun team for the second consecutive year. He was named to the first team last season. Schinelli has played in 62 matches for the Bruins, including more than 50 starts. He was also named to the 2007 All A-Sun Preseason team. This season, he has two goals with two assists for six points, which is fifth on the team.

“Ian is a major presence on our team,” said Davidson. “He has strong technical skills and excellent control of the ball. He’s been a major player force in the Atlantic Sun his entire career.”

Brown has paced the defense for Belmont throughout the entire season and has played the second-most minutes for a non-goalkeeper this season.

“T.J. has played like a veteran this entire season, makes few mistakes and is very consistent,” said Davidson.

The Bruins will play its quarterfinal match of the Atlantic Sun Tournament on Nov. 14 against Lipscomb in DeLand, Fla. beginning at 3 p.m.