Porter, Simmons both earn All-ECAC East nods

NEWPORT, R.I. – Salve Regina University junior Rachel Porter (Franklin, Mass.) and senior Rebecca Simmons (Averill Park, N.Y.) were both announced as members of the 2011-12 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Women's East Ice Hockey All-Conference Team on Thursday evening. Porter was selected as a First Team All-ECAC East defenseman, while Simmons earned All-ECAC Honorable Mention at goalie.

Porter has enjoyed an historic season for the Seahawks this year, setting the program's single season mark with 32 points, while also tying the school's single season records for both goals (16) and assists (16). She led all ECAC East defenseman in goals during conference play (11), while also finishing second in points (25). She scored at least two points during 12 for the Seahawks' 25 games this season, including 10 contests with both a goal and an assist. She is Salve Regina's all-time leader in game-winning goals and currently ranks second on the all-time lists for both points and goals.

Simmons once again proved herself as one of the top goaltenders in the conference this season. The senior netminder recorded a .915 save percentage during ECAC East play, compiling a 6-5-1 record in the process. She made an outstanding 56 saves on December 3, earning a 1-1 overtime draw versus the defending NCAA Division III National Champions Norwich University, giving the Cadets their only blemish of the season during conference play. As a result, Simmons was selected as the ECAC East Goalie of the Week for the time period of Nov. 28 - Dec. 4. She is Salve Regina's all-time leader in both wins (27) and save percentage (.914), while also ranking second in both career saves 1,822 and goals-against average 2.66.

Porter and Simmons will lead the Seahawks as they face off against Castleton State on Saturday (7:30 p.m.) during the quarterfinal round of the ECAC East Championship tournament at St. George's Ice Rink.