Last-minute heroics from midfielder Jack Bennett ’13CPS helped the Red Storm win the 2011 BIG EAST Tournament in dramatic fashion. In overtime of the championship game, Bennett netted the golden goal on a breakaway to seal a 1-0 victory over the University of Connecticut Huskies, earning St. John’s its ninth BIG EAST title.“We knew this would be a battle,” said St. John’s Head Coach Dr. Dave Masur ’03Ed.D. after the exciting finish. “Connecticut is a very well-coached team and an extremely tough opponent, but we have prepared all season for this opportunity… We are thrilled and obviously it feels fantastic to end up as the champions.” Winning the BIG EAST crown capped off a terrific season for the Johnnies, one in which the squad posted a 14-7-2 record and finished the year ranked No. 18 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Poll. But the Red Storm also found success off the pitch. The Men’s and Women’s programs both maintained a team GPA above 3.0 and were recognized for this accomplishment by the National Soccer Association of America. St. John’s was one of 153 programs (one of just six BIG EAST schools) to have both their men’s and women’s teams recognized in this way. Additionally, defender Connor Lade ’12CPS signed a professional contract with the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer, becoming the latest in a long line of St. John’s athletes to play professional sports.