WINTHROP, Mass. – Simmons University finished fifth in the 2021-22 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Commissioner's Cup standings, announced by the league Tuesday afternoon.

A pair of runner-up finishes at the GNAC cross country and swimming and diving meets, helped the Sharks receive 23 of a possible 40 points for a 57.5%. In the fall, the Sharks posted their best finish in four years, earning second-place at the 2021 GNAC Championship Meet, while placing three on the All-Conference team. During the winter months, a season-best time in the 800 free relay, helped Simmons swimming and diving secure second place. 

The GNAC Commissioner's Cup annually recognizes the member institution achieving the highest level of athletic success throughout the academic year. It is based upon a point system and standings are determined by percentages in order to reflect the number of GNAC sports that each member institution sponsors.

Schools receive five points for winning a GNAC Championship, four points for advancing to a conference title game, three points for competing in a GNAC semifinal, two points for qualifying for a GNAC Tournament, or one point for sponsoring the sport.

Overall on the year, the Sharks had three teams reach the GNAC semifinals (volleyball, lacrosse and tennis), while field hockey and softball also reached the conference post-season tournament. 

2021-22 GNAC COMMISSIONER'S CUP WOMEN'S TEAM STANDINGS
1) Johnson & Wales (RI) - 26/30: 86.7% *
2) Saint Joseph's (Maine) - 30/45: 66.7%
3) Emmanuel - 26/40: 65%
4) Colby-Sawyer - 29/50: 58%
5) SIMMONS - 23/40: 57.5%
6) Regis - 28/55: 50.9%
7) Lasell - 19/45: 42.2%
8) St. Joseph (CT) - 17/45: 37.8%
9) Elms - 15/40: 37.5%
T10) Norwich - 13/35: 37.14%
T10) Rivier - 13/35: 37.14%
12) Albertus Magnus - 14/40: 35%
13) Anna Maria - 8/30: 26.7%

14) Dean - 8/35: 22.9%