GILBERT, Ariz. – Simmons University field hockey senior Hannah Scott (Claremont, N.H.), junior Liz Poteat (Westfield, Mass.). sophomores Brianna Desharnais (Freedom, N.H.) and Haley Dover (West Springfield, Mass.) and first year Keira Straiton (Brookfield, Conn.) 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 2019-20 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' total of five student-athletes receiving the honor was surpassed by only four other schools in the nation.
In addition, Simmons was recognized for the 2019 Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Collegiate National Academic Team Award for the 19th consecutive year after posting a team GPA of 3.61.
Scott has earned the honor in each of her four seasons at Simmons, while Poteat receives the accolade for the third consecutive year. Desharnais is the third Shark to be selected multiple times this season after being tabbed last year as a rookie.
Scott was named a Captain this past season for Simmons and started 16 of 19 matches, while Poteat tallied three points on a goal and an assist in 20 matches. Desharnais started 12 of 18 matches and scored her only goal of the year in the GNAC Tournament Quarterfinals to contribute to a 4-3 double-overtime win over Johnson & Wales University. Dover transferred to play for the Sharks prior to the season and saw time in all 20 contests, while ranking third on the team with four goals and Straiton saw action in five matches in her rookie campaign for Simmons.
The Sharks finished the season with an 8-12 record, including 4-4 in GNAC play. Simmons earned the number three seed in the GNAC Championship Tournament, before its season came to an end in the Semifinals.