Nov. 2, 2011

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Junior Jacinda McLeod became the first-ever two-time America East Defensive Player of the Year and freshman Valentina Cerda was tabbed Co-Rookie of the Year, headlining a group of six Terriers earning America East All-Conference honors for field hockey, as announced by the league office on Wednesday.

McLeod and senior Kate Murphy were unanimous selections to the All-Conference First Team and were joined on the top squad by junior Nicole van Oosterom. Senior Giovanna Monaco and junior Macey Gaumond were second-team honorees and Cerda was named to the All-Rookie Team.

This marks the third straight year that McLeod has captured one of the league's individual awards, as she was the 2009 Rookie of the Year. McLeod - now a three-time first-team honoree - continues to be one of the top backs in the country and is also a big part of the Terrier offense, ranking second on the team in both points (18) and goals (7).

Murphy, who teams up with McLeod to give BU a highly regarded backfield, is enjoying a career year as a senior with 12 points on five goals and two assists. A 2010 America East Second Team pick, Murphy is a three-year starter for the Terriers and was selected to participate in the 2011 NFHCA Senior Game.

Van Oosterom, last year's America East Midfielder of the Year, has turned in yet another strong season for the Terriers to earn her second consecutive first-team accolade. She was also named to the league's second team as a rookie in 2009. This fall, van Oosterom has 11 points on four goals and three assists.

The team's leader in both points (20) and goals (8), Gaumond has developed into a dangerous striker for the Terriers. She has a pair of two-goal games this season and enters the postseason having scored at least one point in five of the last six games. This is her second honor from the conference, having been named to the 2009 All-Rookie Team.

Monaco has been a strong contributor to the Terriers ever since her freshman season. This year, Monaco has helped BU control the midfield while also adding a goal in a win at UMass. A three-year starter and a member of the 2009 All-Rookie Team, Monaco has tallied 19 points (9g, 1a) in her career.

Cerda impressed early and often in her rookie year to become the Terriers' primary netminder. She led the nation in save percentage midway through the season and currently ranks 12th in both goals-against average (1.43) and save percentage (.778). She is the sixth Terrier in the last eight seasons to be named America East Rookie of the Year.

These six players helped lead the Terriers to a 4-1 conference record to earn a share of the league's regular-season title. BU will face Maine in the America East semifinals on Friday (Nov. 4) at 4 p.m. in Durham, N.H.