Emerson softball team is top Division III academic squad in nation

The 2007 Emerson College softball team has earned recognition as the team with the highest aggregate grade point average in Division III in the nation.  The Lions topped the rankings compiled by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) with a 3.548/4.0 average.  Emerson edged Webster University of St. Louis, Missouri for the top spot.  Webster's team compiled a 3.520 grade point average.

 Of the 88 teams listed in the Division III rankings, Emerson is one of 20 that both made the NFCA Academic list and qualified for the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III National Championship Tournament.  Coach Phil McElroy's team compiled a 24-18 record.  The team rallied from a fourth seed to win the 2007 Great Northeast Athletic Conference tournament championship and represented the GNAC in the national tournament.  The Lions were 2-2 in the New England Regional.

 "This is a great accomplishment for our entire program," Emerson Athletic Director Kristin Parnell said.  "We congratulate the women on the team for their hard work and dedication to their studies, and we couldn't be more proud. I also want to especially recognize coach McElroy.  Phil recruited all these young women and obviously they are the type of student-athletes we want at Emerson...those that are successful both on the field and in the classroom."

 McElroy said, "We have always striven to be in the top 10 teams in this category, and we've never quite made it. To be number one is great for our team and great for Emerson."

Courtesy: Emerson Athletic Communications