May 28, 2008

OXFORD, Ohio - Senior first baseman Halle Popson and sophomore utility player Alicia Hogl were honored by the Mid-American Conference on Wednesday by being named to the Academic All-MAC softball team.

Popson, a health studies major, achieved an overall grade-point average of 3.35 during her time at Miami and earned a spot on the Dean's List in her last season at MU with a term GPA above 3.5.

In her senior season at Miami, Popson set a number of MU career-records, including at-bats (683), runs (137), hits (239) and walks (171). She also set Miami's single-season record and led the MAC in runs scored with 45. Along with all of the Miami marks she reached, Popson achieved career-highs for a season in walks (29) and stolen bases (18). 

She was honored by the university for her contributions both on and off the field, being awarded the President's Distinguished Service Award, Miami University Senior Service Leadership Award and Miami University Women's Leadership Award, as well as being named to the All-MAC Second Team (first base).  Popson also was nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year award and USA Today Scholar Athlete of the Year award. 

While pursuing a degree in communications, Hogl has been a stand out on the field and in the classroom, earning a 3.21 grade-point average in two full years at Miami.

After an impressive freshman year, Hogl stepped up her game during her second year with Miami, raising her batting average by 81 points.  Her 2008 campaign truly was a breakout year for Hogl as she set career highs for batting average (.327), hits (51), doubles (7), and stolen bases (11).  Hogl earned a number of accolades for her accomplishments this season, as she was named to the All-MAC First Team (utility) and All-Region Second Team (outfielder). 

To be nominated, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA and have participated in at least 50 percent of the contests for that particular sport. First year students and junior college transfers in their first year of residence are not eligible for the award. Outstanding academic and athletic accomplishments from the current season only are considered.

Name, School                                                     Yr.          GPA        Major

Christina Swierz, Akron                                  Sr.          3.85        Exercise Science

Elizabeth Milian, Ball State                           So.         3.98        Math-Actuarial Science

Hayley Wiemer, Bowling Green                 Jr.           4.0           Secondary Education

Allison Vallas, Bowling Green                     Sr.          3.95         Exercise Science

Dawnjene DeLong, Bowling Green           Sr.          3.81          Physical Education

Mary Russell, Buffalo                                      Sr.          3.274       Mechanical Engineering

Suzie Giroux, Central Michigan                   Sr.          3.91         Business Administration, Logistics

Tracy Kaatz, Central Michigan                      Jr.          3.66          Finance

Ali Pettit, Central Michigan                          Jr.           3.93         Communication Disorders

Jenny Scherer, Eastern Michigan               So.          3.63         Accounting

Ashley Strauss, Eastern Michigan              Sr.           3.41         Art/Graphic Design

Jessica Toocheck, Kent State                       Sr.           3.90         Special Education

Jamie Fitzpatrick, Kent State                       Sr.           3.91         Mathematics Education

Alicia Hogl, Miami                                            So.         3.21         Communications

Halle Popson, Miami                                       Sr.          3.35         Health Studies

Erica Singer, Toledo                                         Sr.          3.549       Physical Therapy