Four University of Albany Field Hockey Players Named to NFHCA Division I Natoinal Academic Squad - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Ashley Ross and Vanessa Walter were named to the 2008 NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad for the fourth time in their careers, as announced by the organization on Tuesday afternoon. The pair of seniors were joined by junior Jess Lindsey and sophomore Sarah Deane. Lindsey makes her first appearance on the national squad, while Deane earns her second consecutive honor.

Ross and Walter were two of 84 four-year honorees in over 700 student-athletes named to the team. The National Academic Squad recognizes those student-athletes from 77 Division I programs from around the country who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or higher through the first semester of the 2008-09 academic year.

Ross, a senior goalkeeper from Lancaster, Pa., posted a 3.67 GPA in communication. She earned second-team All-America East recognition and was named the conference championship’s most outstanding player this season. Ross, who had a .741 save percentage, is the school’s all-time leader in career wins (53), saves (318) and shutouts (15). Ross also earned a place on the America East Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll during her four-year career.

Lindsey, a junior defender from Norristown, Pa., has a 3.35 GPA in psychology. She had four goals and a team-leading 14 assists in 2008. Lindsey, who has made 59 consecutive starts, is among the program’s all-time leaders with 39 assists. She is also a member of the America East Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll.

Walter, a senior defender from Lebanon, Pa., recorded a 3.88 GPA in human biology with a minor in anthropology. A four-year starter on defense, she led a unit that allowed 1.64 goals per game. Deane is sophomore forward from Orefield, Pa, and posted a 3.86 GPA in psychology. She started 11 of 22 games played last fall, recording one goal and one assist, and was named to the America East Commissioner’s Honor Roll.