BOSTON, Mass. – The New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) has announced its All-Conference selections in women's lacrosse and three Mount Holyoke College student-athletes were recognized. Julia Bell and Kirsten Kilburn were named to the First Team, while Catherine Ryan was selected for Second Team honors.
Bell, a sophomore attack out of Longmeadow, Mass., was a starter in all 16 games this season, Bell lead the team with 71 goals, adding 23 assists with a team-best 94 points. She recorded 141 shots, including 116 on goal, while chipping in with 29 ground balls, 41 draw controls and 20 caused turnovers. Additionally, Bell posted a team-high three game-winning tallies with 12 of her markers coming on the free position.
The former Wilbraham & Monson Academy graduate is currently ranked seventh in the nation in goals and is also 11th in points and goals per game. She also continues to lead the NEWMAC in a number of categories. Bell is currently the conference leader in goals, while also leading the NEWMAC in points by a 16-point margin.
A NEWMAC Offensive Performer of the Week this season, Bell recorded four or more goals in nine games, including six or more in five. Additionally, the two-time First Team honoree reached double-figures in points over three games.
Kilburn, a junior captain and midfielder from North Branford, Conn., started all 16 games this season, notching 70 goals and eight assists for 78 points. Additionally, Kilburn led the team in shots with 156, including 112 on goal, 57 ground balls, 131 draw controls and 27 caused turnovers.
A NEWMAC Offensive Performer of the Week once, Kilburn ranks second in the NEWMAC in both goals and points, while also leading the conference in shots on goal, draw controls and caused turnovers. Currently, she is third in the nation in draw controls and also 10th in goals.
This is the second straight All-Conference honor for Kilburn, who became the program's all-time leader in draw controls this month. The North Branford High School graduate now has 271 draws in her career.
An attack from Longmeadow, Mass., Ryan also started all 16 games for the Lyons in 2014. She led the team in assists with 32, while also adding 24 goals and 56 points. Ryan was third on the team in both categories. She also chipped in with seven ground balls, a draw control and two caused turnovers.
A graduate of Longmeadow High School, currently leads the NEWMAC in assists. This is the first career year-end honor for Ryan, who led the conference and tied the single season assist record in 2013 with 47.
Mount Holyoke finished the season with an 8-8 record, going 3-4 in the NEWMAC. The Lyons played in the Quarterfinals of the NEWMAC Tournament.
