Springfield, Ohio — Nine Wittenberg University field hockey student-athletes have been recognized for their performance in the classroom by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA). In addition, the Tiger field hockey program has earned a National Academic Team Award.

Alyssa Ashbaugh, class of 2012 from Gahanna, Ohio, Darcey Caciano, class of 2012 from St. Louis, Mo., Casey Fry, class of 2015 from Chelsea, Mich., Alena Mohler, class of 2015 from Winston-Salem, NC, Kellen Morrissey, class of 2013 from Aurora, Colo., Jenny Schaafsma, class of 2012 from Grand Rapids, Mich., Anne Poolman, class of 2015 from Haren, The Netherlands, Mallory Skrobot, class of 2014 from Dublin, Ohio, and Beth Warning, class of 2015 from Cincinnati, Ohio, were selected to the NFHCA National Academic Squad. Student-athletes who earned a 3.3 grade point average or better through the first semester of the 2011-12 school year were eligible to receive the honor.

In addition, the Tigers were one of 106 programs in NCAA Division III to earn National Academic Team Award. Programs that maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for the award.

"I am very happy to have so many student-athletes earn national academic awards," said Head Coach Kelley Hubbell, who was named NCAC Coach of the Year in 2010 who has a two-year record of 24-13 at Wittenberg. "They continue to take such great pride in their classwork as well as their performance on the field, and it shows in their academic achievements."

Wittenberg concluded the 2011 season with records of 9-9 and 7-6 in the NCAC after bowing out of the NCAC Tournament with a 2-0 semifinal loss to regular season champion Denison. The Tigers will welcome 12 letterwinners back for the 2012 season, including three of their top four scorers.

Written By: Ryan Maurer