May 28, 2008

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Three UC Santa Barbara women's water polo players have been named to the 2008 All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Academic team it was announced by the conference this week. Sophomores Taylor Byrne and Christie Clark and senior Jenny Gonzales were honored for their diligence in the classroom.

The awards are given to players that are of at least sophomore standing academically, have a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average, have completed one full academic year at the institution prior to the season for which the award is being received, and have competed in at least 50 percent of the team's games.

Sophomore Taylor Byrne led the Gauchos with her cumulative 3.56 GPA. Byrne scored two goals for the blue and gold this season.

Sophomore Christie Clark earns all-academic honors after posting a 3.20 GPA. Clark played in all 27 contests this season and was second on the team with 44 goals scored. She scored in 19 contests including 13 multiple-goal performances.

Senior Jenny Gonzales served as the starting Gaucho goalkeeper this season and led the team with 177 saves in the cage while playing in all 27 contests. She earns her first Academic All-MPSF award after accumulating a 3.10 GPA.

The 2008 Gauchos finished the season with a 6-21 record and placed 12th at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Tournament.