WALTHAM, Mass. – During a live TV broadcast from USC's Galen Center in Los Angeles that aired on CBS Sports Network Monday evening, Bentley University women's basketball great Lauren Battista (North Easton/ Oliver Ames HS) was presented with the Honda Division II Athlete of the Year award by The Collegiate Women Sports Awards.

The much-decorated Battista, who led the Falcons to a 35-0 season and the 2014 NCAA Division II national championship this past winter, was chosen from a field that included the top student-athlete in a dozen Division II sports.

Battista was one of 15 outstanding women who were honored during the show that was hosted by Debbie Antonelli and Brent Stover.

Gymnast Kim Jacob of the University of Alabama received the prestigious Honda Cup as the College Women Athlete of the Year in Division I with UConn's Breanna Stewart (basketball) and Dartmouth's Abbey D'Agostino (cross country) joining her in the final three.

Also considered for the Honda Cup were nine other Honda Sports Award winners: MarieElena Bolles (UConn field hockey), Abby Dahlkemper (UCLA soccer), Krista Vansant (Washington volleyball), Tricia Lee (Stanford swimming), Taylor Cummings (Maryland lacrosse), Celene Boutier (Duke golf), Madison Shipman (Tennessee softball), Robin Anderson (UCLA tennis) and Sharika Nelvis (Arkansas State track and field).

In addition, the Honda Inspiration Award was presented to Kentucky soccer player Arin Gilliland and Wisconsin-Oshkosh track standout Christy Cazzola was given the Honda Division III Athlete of the Year award.

Earlier in the day, the Honda Sports Award winners took part in a community outreach program called the "Huddle," interacting with students at El Cereno Middle School.

THE Collegiate Women Sports Awards has honored the nation's top NCAA women athletes for 37 years, recognizing superior athletic skills, leadership, academic excellence and eagerness to participate in community service. Since commencing its sponsorship in 1986, Honda has provided more than $2.8 million in institutional grants to the universities of the award winners and nominees to support women's athletics programs at the institutions.