Galloway, N.J. – Four members of the Stockton University field hockey team were recognized as
Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Division III Scholars of Distinction by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association. The requirement for this recognition is a cumulative grade-point average of 3.90 or higher through the Fall 2019 semester.
Senior
Emily Gilligan (West Deptford/West Deptford) qualified as a Scholar of Distinction for the third consecutive year while junior
Issy Gilhooley (Ocean City/Ocean City) and sophomore
Kelsey Andrus (Mays Landing/Oakcrest) earned the academic honor for the second straight year. Sophomore
Lainie Allegretto (Ocean City/Ocean City) made the grade for the first time.
Gilligan was chosen NJAC Honorable Mention after another outstanding season as the goaltender for the Ospreys. The senior set a school record and tied for first in the NJAC with six shutouts. Gilligan also finished second in the conference in save percentage (.836) and third in saves (112).
Gilligan was selected NJAC Defensive Player of the Week twice during the season. A three-year starter in goal, she finished her career as Stockton's all-time leader in save percentage (.832), goals against average (1.23) and shutouts (12).
Gilhooley was an NJAC Second Team selection during the fall after leading the team and tying for sixth in the league with eight assists. The junior netted three goals and finished second on the team with 14 points. One of her goals was the game-winner in overtime against Ramapo on October 26. Gilhooley also made one defensive save on the season.
Andrus saw a major increase in playing time, appearing in 15 games on defense in 2019 after getting on the field in four contests as a freshman. The sophomore back helped Stockton post six shutouts and a 1.70 goals against average with her defensive play.
Allegretto joined the Stockton team as a transfer and made an immediate contribution, playing 17 games and starting five. The sophomore scored her first two college goals, both of which proved to be game-winners. Allegretto's tallies came in a 2-0 victory over Swarthmore on September 10 and a 4-2 win over Drew University on October 2.
The Scholars of Distinction capped a list of academic accolades for Stockton that included a
Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Division III National Academic Team Award and 18 Ospreys on the
Zag Field Hockey Division III National Academic Squad, including Gilligan, Gilhooley, Andrus and Allegretto.
On the field, Stockton went 14-4 and qualified for the NJAC Tournament for the second straight year. All four losses came against ranked opponents, including three setbacks to teams ranked fourth in Division III or higher.
