Feb. 23, 2009

ATHENS, Ohio - The 2008 Ohio University field hockey team has been named a National Academic Team by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association, the NFHCA announced Monday. The Bobcats earned a team GPA of 3.0 or better during the 2008-2009 Fall Quarter, which is required for the award.

Ohio placed seven players on the '08-'09 Fall Quarter Dean's List, which takes a 3.5 GPA or higher to achieve, including four with a 4.0, and seven more Bobcats had a 3.0 GPA or better during the term. Seniors Estienne Coetzee (Bloemfontein, S.A.) and Rachelle Coetzee (Bloemfontein, S.A.), junior Patty Donahue (Powell, Ohio) and freshman Jenna Green (Wescosville, Pa.) all earned a perfect 4.0 GPA, while also playing field hockey.

In December, Ohio had five players named to the Academic All-MAC Team, more than any other school in the league, making up 41.6 percent of the squad. It was the most-ever recipients in one season for an Ohio field hockey team.

The Bobcats not only had success in the classroom last fall, but also on the field, as Ohio went 11-12 overall and 6-4 in the Mid-American Conference, making its third-straight appearance in the MAC Tournament title game.