SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. - The Mount Holyoke College swimming and diving team was recently honored for its outstanding work in the classroom. The Lyons were among the 121 Division III teams from around the nation to achieve College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Scholar All-American status following the 2013 fall semester. Additionally, MHC was tops among the eight NEWMAC institutions honored.
In order to qualify, teams must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the semester. Mount Holyoke easily reached the mark, posting a team grade point average of 3.46. Last season, the squad recorded a 3.32 after owning a 3.27 mark in 2011.
With longtime head coach Dave Allen leading the way, the Lyons had an outstanding 2013-14 campaign. In addition to going 6-4 in dual meet action, MHC finished second overall at the Seven Sisters Championship and were sixth at the NEWMAC Championships.
The squad's performance at the conference meet was highlighted by sophomore Cathleen Pruden, who defended her NEWMAC title in the 400-IM, while also setting a new Meet & Open record time in the event. She went on to earn National All-America honors, finishing fourth in the 400-IM at the NCAA Championships.
As a team, the Lyons saw five individuals named to the NEWMAC Academic All-Conference Team, including Pruden and sophomores Erica Carvell, Sarah Crocker, Nikki Hoffler and Sarah McKay.
