June 27, 2007

LAS VEGAS - UNLV had a total of 84 student-athletes earn Spring 2007 Academic All-Mountain West Conference honors, the conference announced this week. Fourteen of the those 84 student-athletes are members of the Rebel softball team. The squad had nine repeat selections to the academic list, while five newcomers were added. Three student-athletes achieved the feat of earning the MWC Scholar-Athlete Award.

UNLV's 84 representatives were the third most in the league, behind BYU's 154 and New Mexico's 103. UNLV also had 29 student-athletes named a MWC Scholar-Athlete.

Brittany Freight led the way academically for the Rebels by earning her fourth appearance on the academic team. Brittany Meade, Marissa Nichols, Rosa Ordaz and Caitlyn Paus follow closely behind with their third showing. Bri Bernardi, Brittany Bolinger, Jaci Hull and Christie Robinson have been recognized twice.

Joining the returning members of the academic honorees are five first timers: Stephanie Bregante, Laura Briones, Kendall Fearn, Annika Lindberg and Jenn Newman.

The softball squad had three student-athletes selected as MWC Scholar-Athlete Award winners. Brittany Bolinger, Jaci Hull and Caitlyn Paus.

To be eligible for selection to the academic team, student-athletes must have completed at least one academic term at the member institution while maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, and be a starter or significant contributor on their athletic team. To be eligible for selection for the scholar-athlete award, student-athletes must have completed at least two academic terms at the member institution, while maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or better, and have participated in varsity competition for their athletic team.

Student-Athlete  Year   GPA    MajorBri Bernardi  Sophomore     3.17  University StudiesBrittany Bolinger    Sophomore  3.64 Kinesiological ScienceStephanie Bregante  Freshman      3.37  UndeclaredLaura Briones    Freshman      3.33  Kinesiological ScienceKendall Fearn    Sophomore     3.31  PsychologyBrittany Freight  Senior    3.22  Communication StudiesJaci Hull             RS-Freshman  3.55  Kinesiological ScienceAnnika Lindberg    Freshman      3.64  UndeclaredBrittany Meade  Junior    3.18  Kinesiological ScienceJenn Newman    Freshman      3.16  UndeclaredMarissa Nichols    Junior    3.58  Human Services CounselingRosa Ordaz  Junior    3.14  SociologyCaitlyn Paus  Junior    3.63  Kinesiological ScienceChristie Robinson    Sophomore     3.04  Social Work