June 20, 2012

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV softball program had five student-athletes earn academic recognition for their efforts not only on the field, but also in the classroom. Korin Cuico, Tayler Aleman, Tayler Van Acker and Amanda Oliveto were named to the Spring 2012 Academic All-Mountain West Team, while Amber Petersen was honored with the MW's Scholar-Athlete Award.

Cuico and Petersen join a short, but distinguished list of Rebels to end their careers with academic achievements as members of the softball team. Cuico (3.21, kinesiological studies) became the 13th Rebel dating back to 2001 to earn academic all-conference honors all four years. Petersen (4.00, elementary education), on the other hand, is only the fourth Rebel to earn the scholar-athlete award four consecutive years.

Aleman (3.29, interdisciplinary studies) and Van Acker (3.33, earth and environmental science) are repeat selections to the academic all-conference team, while Oliveto (3.24, elementary education) is a first-time selection.

The MW Scholar-Athlete Award is one of the highest academic honors bestowed by the Conference. To be eligible for selection, 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 in an NCAA-sponsored sport.

To be eligible for selection to the Academic All-MW Team, student-athletes must have completed at least one academic team 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 team.