GRAND FORKS, N.D.--University of North Dakota freshman defenseman Ashley Lynch has been named to the 2007 Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) All-Rookie Team, announced today by the conference office.

Lynch, a native of Gilbert Plains, Man., played in 34 games and ranked second among WCHA rookie defensemen in scoring with three goals and three assists for six points. She led all Fighting Sioux defensemen in scoring and ranked second on the team with two power-play goals.

Lynch is the second player in UND women's hockey history to receive a WCHA individual postseason award. Former forward Cami Wooster was named to the all-rookie team in 2004-05.

Lynch is joined on the all-rookie team by forwards Meghan Duggan (Wisconsin), Holly Roberts (St. Cloud State) and Saara Tuominen (Minnesota Duluth), defensemen Holly Snyder (Minnesota State) and Michelle Maunu (Minnesota) and goaltender Kim Martin (Minnesota Duluth).

In addition to the annual league awards, the WCHA also announced today the 2007 WCHA All-Academic Team, which features seven Fighting Sioux: Aynsley Allen (Sr., St. Andrews, Man.), Christey Allen (Jr., St. Andrews, Man.), Christy Carlson (So., Hutchinson, Minn.), Alexia Gagnon Laplante (Sr., Sainte-Therese, Que.), Casie Hanson (So., St. Peter, Minn.), Alyssa Johnson (So., Fergus Falls, Minn.), Randi Motsko (So., Fairbanks, Alaska).

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