LACROSSE

GNAC Women's Lacrosse All-Conference Team

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University women's lacrosse team placed eight players on the Great Northeast Athletic Conference first team and had three individuals recognized with major awards, it was announced by the league on Thursday.

Norwich head coach Tyler Renaud, who has led the Cadets to a 10-4 record and a berth in the conference championship game, was selected as co-"Coach of the Year," sharing the honor with Emerson's Mike Blanchard.

Norwich's leading scorer Ally Daniels earned co-"Player of the Year" accolades, while freshman goalkeeper Kellie Pickel was tabbed the league's "Rookie of the Year."

Daniels, who tops the team in goals (56), assists (28) and points (84), leads the Cadets' group of first-team selections. The sophomore from Concord, N.H., has also been impressive on draw controls throughout the season.

Pickel was named to the conference's first team as well, following a rookie campaign in which she posted a team-best 10.56 goals-against average and a team-high .531 save percentage. The Montpelier, Vt., product also led the team with a 6-2 record in goal.

Junior Ashley Haviland and freshman Chelsea Martin were named to the first team as attackers. Haviland has scored 23 goals and handed out six assists this season, while Martin ranks third on the squad with 31 goals and 41 points. Martin also lists second on the team with 10 assists.

Sophomore Kathleen Hennessy and freshman Jessica Allmer join Daniels on the first team as midfielders. Hennessy lists second on the team with 40 goals and 49 points, while ranking third on the club with nine assists. Allmer, meanwhile, has scored 30 goals and dished out five assists on the year.

Two members of the Norwich defense were honored as first-team selections as well with sophomores Dawn McNulty and Allyson Allen receiving the nod. McNulty is the team's most aggressive defender, who has a knack for creating turnovers. Allen, who is highly-skilled at running the ball from the defensive zone into the offensive end, has chipped in 10 goals and three assists on the year.

Norwich will face Emerson in the GNAC Tournament championship game on Saturday, April 26, at 3:30 p.m. The Cadets dropped a tough 13-12 decision to the Lions in the regular season.