ST. LOUIS, Mo. - University of Evansville women's soccer midfielder Nicole Benati was named to the Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention team, announced by the conference office on Thursday.

Benati holds a 4.00 grade-point-average in mathematics and saw action in eight matches this season, racking up 670 minutes played. The London, Ontario native has made an impact from day one on the pitch for the Aces starting in seven matches in the UE strong midfield. 

Benati posted the clutch assist that set up the game winning goal against Loyola at the 26-minute that set up the Aces with a spot in the MVC tournament. She also posted five shots with two on goal during the season.

The criteria for the honor parallels the CoSIDA standards for Academic All-America voting. Nominees must be starters or important reserves with at least a 3.30 cumulative GPA (on a 4.00 scale). Also, students must have participated in at least 75 percent of the regular-season matches or played in the MVC Tournament. Student-athletes must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at their institution.