STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Binghamton University's softball program posted the eighth-highest team grade-point average in the country and was recognized for its achievement by the National Fastpitch Coaches' Association (NFCA) and Girls Got Game this week. Additionally, Boston University was honored for ranking among the top-100 in team GPA and 19 standouts from three schools were named scholar-athletes for recording GPAs over 3.50 last year.
The Bearcats recorded a team mark of 3.49 and had nine players earn scholar-athlete honors including all-conference performers Deannie Plemon, Stephanie DeLuca and Meghan Tucker.
"Our players worked very hard last year both of the field and in the classroom," said Binghamton head coach Michelle Burrell. "They did an excellent job setting new expectations for Binghamton softball and I am very excited about the future of the program."
Boston U. was one of just eight programs to rank among the top-70 (69th) and play in the NCAA tournament. The Terriers had three players receive scholar-athlete recognition, including America East Pitcher of the Year Cassidi Hardy.
Albany placed seven players on the scholar-athlete list, including first-team All-America East fist baseman Gina Mason.
Student-athletes had to achieve at least a 3.5 GPA for the 2009-10 academic year and be nominated by their institution to be recognized.
NFCA Division I All-Academic Teams
8. Binghamton
69. Boston University
NFCA Scholar-Athletes
Albany
Alison Haan
Allison Weiser
Diane Macdowell
Gina Mason
Kristine Bill
Lindsey Stout
Nicole Kothe
Binghamton
Briana Andrews
Chelsea Horne
Deannie Plemon
Kelly Schuldt
Meghan Tucker
Rhoda Marsteller
Stephanie DeLuca
Stephanie Kolodziejski
Stephanie Valencia
Boston University
Cassidi Hardy
Emily Roesch
Rachel Moeller
Information from Binghamton Athletic Communications was used in this
report.