September 20, 2011

IWLCA Announces Merit Squads

from press release

The IWLCA has recognized nine schools as earning Merit Squad status for the 2011 season, with three schools honored in each division. Institutions were named Merit Squads by virtue of having one of the top three team GPAs for the season. In addition, all teams that posted team GPAs of 3.0 or higher were recognized earlier this year as Academic Squads. In Division III, Vassar College led all institutions with a 3.530 GPA. Albion College (3.512) and Bates College (3.479) also earned Merit Squad honors after each being previously honored as one of 71 schools that earned Academic Squad honors.

Lake Erie College boasted the highest team GPA in Division II with a 3.358 mark. Two NCAA tournament teams also earned Merit Squad status, with NCAA runner-up Limestone ranking second in team GPA with a 3.306, just edging NCAA semifinalist West Chester. The Golden Rams posted a 3.303 team GPA. Earlier this year, 16 teams, including these three institutions, were honored as Academic Squads.

The institution in Division I with the highest team GPA was American University. The Eagles forged a 3.493 team GPA. Stanford, a 2011 NCAA tournament participant, boasted a 3.485 to earn Merit Squad honors. Brown also earned the recognition with a 3.450. In the 2011 season, 56 squads earned Academic Squad status.