PHILADELPHIA - The NSCAA put a cherry on top of Melissa Sanger's stellar senior season and awarded the goalkeeper with a Scholar All-American selection, marking the first time in program history La Salle has had someone recognized with that prestigious honor.

"We are so proud of Melissa for this wonderful honor," said head coach Paul Royal.  "It shows the true essence of what we expect from our La Salle student-athletes and their will to achieve great things beyond the field.  It's an amazing way to close out a remarkable career for Melissa."

Sanger finished the regular season with an unblemished 15-0-3 record in goal and only allowed six goals all season long.  She is ranked third in the nation in GAA  (0.287) and fourth in save percentage (0.918).

The Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year, Sanger was also a first team all-conference and second team all-region selection. She graduated in May with a bachelor's degree in marketing and has a 4.0 GPA as a graduate student in the MBA program. Sanger was also named to the Capital One Academic All-District and Academic All-Atlantic 10 teams.

"This award is also attributed to all the hard work, guidance and support our student-athletes receive from Brother John, Christine and the entire academic support staff."

The ECAC also recently released its all-star team for the 2011 season and not surprisingly, La Salle was well represented with three players being recognized.  

Senior Jess Hopton was the only first team selection with Sanger and freshman Kelsey Haycook earning second team honors.  

The three selections mark the first time in program history more than one Explorer has been honored by the ECAC.