Hardin-Simmons led Division III women's basketball teams in GPA this past season, compiling a 3.664 team mark, according to rankings released by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association.

The Cowgirls, who went 21-5 this past season, are making their eighth appearance in the WBCA's rankings. It's their first time in the top spot and first appearance in the ranking since 2004.

"We are extremely honored to be No. 1," said Hardin-Simmons coach Shanna Briggs. "We set it as a goal at the beginning of the year to be No. 1 and we obviously accomplished that goal. It is something we strive for.

"The girls worked extremely hard and were dedicated to their academics. We've always been a team that has stressed academics and for them to come through on this goal is really a great accomplishment for them."

The team had two players on CoSIDA's Academic All-District team: Lyssa Denard, who compiled a 3.71 GPA in education and was a first-team selection, and Melissa Contrucci, who recorded a 3.80 GPA in sports management. The full WBCA Division III Academic Top 25.

McDaniel's team GPA was second, at 3.625, with Messiah following at 3.582. Heidelberg was fourth at 3.571 and Susquehanna fifth at 3.563.

"I'm like a proud parent with these young ladies,” McDaniel coach Becky Martin said. "These are all exceptional young women and it's really been a pleasure to coach them. I definitely had mixed emotions, though, when I watched the five seniors walk across the stage and receive their diplomas."