INDIANA, Pa. - Three IUP field hockey players were named to all-league teams as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) announced the sport's 2021 postseason awards Wednesday afternoon. 

Earning All-PSAC selection were junior forward Blaise Cugini, sophomore midfielder Claire Murphy, and junior back Emma Wilhelm. Cugini and Murphy were both second team selections while Wilhelm was a third team pick. A total of 39 selections across three teams were announced, including 12 each of forwards, midfielders and backs, and three goalies. 

This trio helped the Crimson Hawks to an 11-6 record and the program's first PSAC tournament berth since 2016. The 11 wins were also the most for the team since the 2012 season (14-6). This is the eighth time in the last years IUP has garnered at least three All-PSAC selections and the first time since 2013 at least two Hawks have been named to the second team.

Cugini and Murphy are both first-time all-conference selections. Cugini is IUP's top-scorer with 10 goals and 23 points on the season. As of the PSAC tournament quarterfinal round, Cugini's 10 goals are eighth in the conference while her 23 points are ninth. She was also tied for fourth in the league with 41 shots on goal. Cugini scored points in seven of IUP's 17 games, tying the IUP record with four goals in a September win over Slippery Rock. 

Playing in her first season after last year's cancellation, Murphy played in 15 games with 13 starts in the midfield. Making plays on both the offensive and defensive ends of the field, her lone goal of the season was a huge one, scoring the game-winner in the Hawks' 1-0 win over No. 6 Kutztown that clinched a postseason berth in the regular season finale. 

Wilhelm is now a two-time All-PSAC selection, also earning third team honors as a freshman in 2019. IUP's best defender, she started 15 games this season and helped the Hawks post four shutouts and limit opponents to 1.71 goals per game. 

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