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.