Garden City, N.Y.-  Men's basketball's Dayshaun Walton and Madison Apicella of women's soccer were each recognized as Adelphi's Male and Female Rookies of the Year, respectively, at the athletic department's annual end of year awards ceremony.

Walton joined his teammate Ronnie Silva as the only two Panthers from the men's basketball program to win the Northeast-10 Rookie of the Year award. The first-year was a four-time NE10 Rookie of the Week, after a hot start to the season, averaging just 9.8 points per game.

In the team's final 15 contests of the year, Walton scored in double-figures for 14 of them. His 38-point and 11-rebound double-double against Southern New Hampshire highlighted his run, which included another 30-point affair.

"I would first off like to thank the athletics department awards committee for choosing me for this award as it truly is an honor," said Walton. "I would also like to thank my coaching staff and my teammates for their help and support throughout the year, because without them, this would not be possible."

His season averages culminated with 14.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game along with 48 percent shooting from the field. His rebounding was good enough for sixth place in the NE10 and first among freshmen in total rebounds (212) which included pulling down 15 at Caldwell on Dec. 14. Walton also led the team in assists with 87.

Representing the fall sports, Apicella was not only named NE10 Rookie of the Year as well, but she was additionally named NE10 Player of the Year as a freshman, only the second player in conference history to take home both awards.

Leading the conference in points with 24, she also racked up eight assists and goals including the overtime game-winner vs. Franklin Pierce in the NE10 semifinal game, which sent the Panthers to their first conference championship game since 2015. Apicella also played all 104 minutes of that contest.

"I am humbled to have received the Female Rookie of Year award this year," commented Apicella. "There are so many talented young athletes here at Adelphi and to be selected for this award I am truly honored."

Starting in 19 of her 20 games played, the midfielder scored two goals on three shots vs. Assumption and two assists at both Wilmington (Del.) and Georgian Court on the teams early-season road trip. Three of her goals on the season were additionally ruled game-winners.