By Simmons Athletics
Simmons College field hockey seniors Julie Kellendorfer (Amherst, NH), Jillian Mercer (Dartmouth, MA), junior Kiera Kirkaldy (Middlebury, VT) and first years Meg Pereira (New Bedford, MA), Hannah Scott (Claremont, NH) and Olivia Trull (Lowell, MA) were all named Zag Field Hockey/National Field Hockey Coaches Association Scholars of Distinction it was announced today by the NFHCA.
The Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Division III Scholars of Distinction have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.90 or greater through the first semester of the 2016-17 academic year. Each representative was also placed on the Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Division III National Academic Squad, with that list requiring a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 or greater.
The Sharks and University of Maine at Farmington led all schools with six student-athletes receiving the Scholars of Distinction honor. Simmons also boasted one student-athlete with a perfect career GPA of 4.0.
In addition, Simmons was recognized for the 2016 Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Collegiate National Academic Team Award for the 15th consecutive year after posting a team GPA of 3.63.
Kellendorfer has earned the distinction honor three times during her career, while Mercer and Kirkaldy earn the accolade for the second time. Kellendorfer, Mercer, Kirkaldy and Scott each posted a 4.0 GPA for the fall semester, as well, to contribute to their respective cumulative academic record. Kellndorfer finished her career with the Sharks, having played in nine matches, including three in 2016.
Mercer Saw time in 12 matches this year to give her 49 games played for her career, while Kirkaldy started 11 of 12 contests she played in this past season. Pereira started all three matches she appeared in and Scott worked her way into the starting lineup seven times in 15 appearances. Trull tallied 13 points, including six goals to lead all rookies for the Fenway school, while starting 17 of 19 matches.
Simmons finished the season with an 11-8 overall record, including 5-1 in league play to earn the number two seed in the GNAC Championship Tournament. The Sharks ended their season with a 1-0 loss at Saint Joseph’s College (Maine) its third straight appearance in the GNAC Championship match on November 5.
