ERIE, Pa.- The Mercyhurst University athletics department honored its senior student-athletes at the Annual Senior Sports Banquet Saturday. The event, held at Peak N' Peek Resort, was attended by over 200 people.
 
Christine Bestland of the women's hockey team and Andrew Wagner of the men's lacrosse team were named the Senior Female and Male Student-Athletes of the Year, respectively. Amber Penna took home the Sister Damien Spirit Award and Denise and Mark Grimes received the Honorary Sister Damien Spirit Award.
 
Bestland established herself as one of the top players in program history, wrapping up her career with 226 points, second-most in school history. She earned 2014 USCHO.com Third Team All-American honors after leading the Lakers to a second straight Frozen Four appearance. The Brunkild, Manitoba, native was chosen College Hockey America Player of the Year twice and was a three-time All-CHA First Team selection. Bestland ranks second in career points and career goals (92) at Mercyhurst, behind only Meghan Agosta, the 2011 Mercyhurst Female Senior Student-Athlete of the Year.
 
The other female finalists were Caroline Bristol (tennis), Meghan Smith (field hockey), Megan Smith (softball).
 
Wagner is the top defenseman in school history. He has been named United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Division II Defenseman of the Year twice and is in the running for the honor again this season. The Elma, New York, native has earned two USILA All-American First Team nods and was the 2014 Inside Lacrosse National Preseason Player of the Year. Wagner has been the top defender on four NCAA Tournament teams, including the 2011 team, which won the NCAA Championship.
 
The other male finalists were Jacob Griffin (cross country), Nick Jones (hockey), and Brett Luehmann (water polo).
 
Penna served as President of Mercyhurst Student Government this school year. She sang the national anthem at numerous home events throughout the year. Penna will receive the Carpe Diem Award at tomorrow's graduation ceremony. The Grimes' have supported the Laker women's water polo team throughout the career of their daughter, Allie.