Three Named To All-Academic Team

AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Peach Belt Conference released the women's soccer All-Academic team from the conference office in Augusta. Honors were awarded to UNCP athletes Sam Dunn, Sheena Mature and Heather Jones who were among 44 fellow PBC athletes recognized.

First team selection Sam Dunn is a 2008 PBC all-academic first team and two-time PBC Presidential Honor Roll selection (gold level) while also earning recognition as a two-time member of UNCP's Chancellor's list. Just recently Dunn was named to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) academic all-district first team in district three.

The junior midfielder and team co-captain picked up the game-winning goal against Queens on Sept. 15 and has played 90+ minutes in 13 of 19 contests during the 2009 season and has 18 starts to her credit.  As a sophomore, Dunn started in all 23 games and tallied three goals and six points, including the game-winner against Georgia Southwestern on Oct. 25. Also during the 2008 season, Dunn led the team to a 19-3-1 season as the Lady Braves earned an NCAA Tournament berth. During her collegiate career, Dunn has been a member of the dean's list all four semesters.

Second team selection went to junior Sheena Mature. Mature played in all 19 games for the Lady Braves in their 2009 season with 15 starts to her credit and 9 outings in which she registered at least 90 minutes.

Fourth team selection went to senior co-captain Heather Jones. Jones saw action in all 19 games of the Black and Gold's 2009 season and tallied 18 starts. The senior took the field for 90+ minutes on 14 occasions, including a 120 minute, double overtime, 2-2 draw, against Clayton State on October 3.

The team is part of a season-long program recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of PBC student-athletes in the classroom as well as on the field. To be eligible for the All-Academic team, a student-athlete must 1) participate in at least half of his/her team's events and be either a starter or significant contributor; 2) achieved a 3.20 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) and 3) completed at least one full academic year at his or her current institution. The Peach Belt Conference Sports Information Directors oversee and select the teams.

Founded in 1991, the Peach Belt Conference is home to 26 NCAA Division II National Championships. 13 member institutions in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama compete in 13 championship sports. 2009-10 members are Augusta State University, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Clayton State University, Columbus State University, Flagler College, Francis Marion University, Georgia College & State University, Georgia Southwestern State University, Lander University, University of Montevallo, North Georgia College & State University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke and the University of South Carolina Aiken.