WALTHAM, Mass. – Recent Bentley University graduate Gina Lirange (Auburn/Auburn HS), a standout on the Falcon field hockey team the last four seasons, has been named the co-Woman of the Year in the Northeast-10 Conference, an award she shares with Ivy Watts, a Waltham resident who ran track for the University of New Haven.

The two were honored Monday night during the conference's annual banquet in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.  Both will now advance forward for NCAA Woman of the Year consideration.

Lirange, whose four years at Bentley culminated with her graduating Summa Cum Laude on May 16, excelled in the classroom and was active in community service in addition to earning All-America honors on the field. She earned a 3.87 grade point average as an accountancy major, making the President's List each of her first seven semesters.

"Student-athletes like Gina represent what Bentley field hockey is all about," said Falcon coach Jessica Spencer. "Excellence both on and off the field."

Lirange has been very involved in community service activities throughout her time at Bentley, including serving as president of the university's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee this past academic year. She also was involved with Team Impact, facilitating interactions between her team and their Team Impact teammate.

Earlier this spring, Lirange explained her involvement in community service. "The field hockey team, an extremely involved group of young women, certainly kept me busy with the sport, but also granted me the opportunity and taught me the value of giving back to the community. Through my team's connection, I was able to work with the "Team Impact" organization and lead in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

"Working with our Team Impact "player", Sasha, we were able to positively influence the life of a young girl who faces a chronic illness every day. SAAC frequently organizes events to benefit the local community and takes part in fundraisers that benefit health causes. Seeing the difference that even a small group of individuals can make has truly shown me the value of leadership and community involvement. Furthermore, the ability to take a lead role in making positive contributions for those who face tough circumstances is not only an amazing and rewarding feeling, but encourages me to take the experiences and lessons I have gained at Bentley and move forward with a community-oriented mindset in my life after school."

Bentley's Outstanding Senior Female Athlete, Lirange was the team's leading scorer the last two seasons, giving the team double figure goals both years. The Capital One Academic All-America nominee was accorded second-team Division II All-America honors by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association last fall and twice received All-America recognition from Synapse Sports.

Lirange's list of honors also included three-time Academic All-Northeast-10, four-time NFHCA National Academic Squad and two-time first-team All-Northeast-10. She never missed a game and finished her career with 33 goals and 15 assists for 81 points.

This is the second straight year that Bentley has had the Woman of the Year in the Northeast-10 with Lirange following 2014 honoree Lauren Battista.