FRESNO  -   Fresno State water polo freshman Emily Nicholson was named to the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches Division I All-America Team, announced on Monday by the organization. She received honorable mention accolades and was one of just six freshmen out of 58 All-Americans.

"I'm very proud to see Emily on the All-America Honorable Mention list," head coach Natalie Benson said. "Another first for our young program, this award recognizes the strong contribution she made to our program this year."

Nicholson was a force on both ends of the pool and a catalyst in Fresno State's success during its first season, which included numerous weeks ranked in the top 25 and two wins against ranked opponents. She was tabbed as the Golden Coast Conference Co-Newcomer of the Year and also carved out a spot on the All-Conference Second Team and GCC All-Freshman squad.

The Auckland, New Zealand native paced the 'Dogs in drawn exclusions (39) and led the team in shooting percentage at 42 percent. She also ranked second on the team in goals scored (36) and steals (22), and was ninth in the GCC in goals per game, averaging 1.44 per contest.

As the Bulldogs continue to build toward national contention over the next few years, Nicholson figures to play an integral role in the team's maturation process.

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