Melkonian Among Nation's Elite

Indianapolis, Ind. – Clark University field hockey sophomore Mel Melkonian (Worcester, Mass.) finds herself near the top of some pretty impressive national statistical categories after the NCAA released its first round of stats earlier this week.

Through games played on or before September 12, Melkonian ranks second in Division III in points per game (5.50) and second in goals per game (2.50).

Those totals aren’t only impressive when compared to Division III but stand out when compared within all three Divisions. Her goals per game average is fourth when compared with all Divisions and her points per game numbers rank third.

Melkonian scored a career-high five goals in a win over New England College back on September 4th and that total is the most goals in a game in the Division III this year and only Kathleen Sharkey of Division I Princeton has scored more goals in a game this season (6) than Melkonian.

In addition, Melkonian, Sharkey and Eleanor Taylor of UMass-Dartmouth lead the nation in goals scored this season (10).

The 2009 NEWMAC Rookie of the Year, and first-team all-region selection, Melkonian has 68 career points (29 goals, 10 assists) in just 21 career contests.

The Cougars return to action on Sunday when they open up NEWMAC play with a road contest at MIT beginning at 1:00 p.m.