SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. - The Mount Holyoke College swimming and diving team was honored for its outstanding work in the classroom once again on Monday. The Lyons were among the 688 teams from around the nation and across all divisions to achieve College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Scholar All-American status following the 2017 fall semester.

Additionally, MHC was fourth among the ten NEWMAC institutions recognized, behind MIT (3.66), Springfield (3.59) and Smith (3.56). The Lyons posted an overall grade point average of 3.52 for the fall.

In total, 125 squads were honored among Division III women's teams. To qualify for Scholar All-America status, teams must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the semester. Mount Holyoke once again reached the mark easily with their 3.52, which was 32nd among the DIII teams honored.

In the spring of 2017, MHC posted a team grade point average of 3.73, which was good for second in the nation. During the fall of 2016, the Lyons owned a 3.56 GPA – good for top-10 in the division. The academic success has been plentiful for Mount Holyoke, which also had a 3.67 GPA in the spring of 2016, preceded by the top GPA amongst all Division III schools of a 3.79 in the fall of 2015.

Under the direction of longtime head coach Dave Allen, the Lyons have faced strong competition over the 2017-18 season. Highlighting the year was a sixth-place finish at the Hamilton Invitational in December. MHC also placed fourth overall at the Seven Sisters Championships in mid-January.

Highlighting the Seven Sisters meet was sophomore diver Samantha Nemivant (Scottsdale, Ariz./Notre Dame Prep), who finished third off both boards, including besting her own school record on the 3-meter. She also posted NCAA Regional Qualifying marks in both events.

Mount Holyoke returns to the pool on Saturday when it hosts the final home meet of the season against Simmons at 12pm. That meet will also honor the squad's five graduating seniors.