Utica Field Hockey Earns National Academic Honor
Utica, N.Y.
Utica, N.Y. – (2/23/11) The Utica College women’s field hockey was awarded the NFHCA Division III National Academic Team Award on Tuesday Feb. 22 after receiving a program GPA of 3.185.
The Pioneers were one of 83 teams in NCAA Division III field hockey to receive a program GPA higher than 3.0. “I am proud that our team does well in the classroom,” said second-year head coach Sarah Bergmann. “They put in a lot of hard work and energy to succeed both on the field and in the classroom and it is an honor to be recognized by the NFHCA for their academic achievements.”
Seniors Erin Murphy and Hayley Coon, and junior Avion Ashton received GPA’s higher than 3.75 to lift the team’s GPA.
This past season the Pioneers made the Empire 8 Conference playoffs for the first time in program history, but lost the semi-final match to Washington and Jefferson. UC ended its 2010 campaign with an 8-10 overall record.
The Pioneers will return seven seniors, one junior and five freshmen next Fall. Monica Storms will retain her spot as the team’s No. 1 goalie after recording a 78.2 save percentage last season. Storms will be protected by standout defender and Empire 8 Honorable Mention Jessica Ahearn. Ahearn scored six goals last season and made four defensive saves.
Mallory Mariano will return as the team leader on the offensive end. She had 22 points last season (nine goals, four assists) and was named Sportswoman of the Year. She will be assisted by Kim Martin, Rebecca Corsones and Ally Sanders.
The Pioneers will begin their 2011 season when they travel to Canton, N.Y. on Sept. 3 to face St. Lawrence University.
NFHCA Release