The IWLCA recently honored two Canisius College women's lacrosse players for their work off the field during the 2011-12 year when Rachel Brand and Gina Molfetta were both named to the IWLCA Academic Honor Roll.

Brand, a senior defender for the 2012 MAAC Championship-winning team, was one of the team's anchors on the back line last season. She started 17 contests and totaled 16 ground balls, nine caused turnovers and nine draw controls. Brand, who graduated with her degree in psychology, is also a three-time selection to the MAAC All-Academic Team.

An early childhood education major, Molfetta appeared in 11 contests with eight starting assignments in net for the Griffs. The junior posted a 4-3 record to go along with an 11.58 goals against average and .315 save percentage. A two-time MAAC Defensive Player of the Week during her career, she is also a two-time member of the league's all-academic squad.

As a team, the Griffs also earned Academic Squad distinction for recording a GPA of 3.0 or higher. To be named to the Academic Honor Roll, a student-athlete must be a junior or senior and maintain a 3.5 GPA.

The two-time defending MAAC Champions, Canisius finished the 2012 campaign with a 10-9 record. Seven starters and 15 letterwinners return in 2013 as the Griffs attempt to become the first team in MAAC history to win three-straight titles.