WINTHROP, MA – The College Hockey America Conference announced its individual regular season awards on Wednesday afternoon which featured two Mercyhurst Skaters. A day after being named to the All-Conference first team and the All-Rookie team, Vanessa Upson was awarded the CHA Rookie of the Year title while K.K. Thiessen was honored with Penn State's Natalie Heising and Syracuse's Abby Moloughney for the conference's Individual Sportsmanship Awards.

Upson, who was chosen as the Preseason Co-Rookie of the Year back in September, did not fail to live up to the high expectations for her as she led the Lakers in goals and points for the duration of the season. The Stoney Creek, Ontario native finished the season leading all CHA rookies in points (37), goals (19), and assists (18). Additionally, Upson led the conference freshmen in short handed goals (2), face-off wins (275), shot percentage (18%), game-winning goals (5), and she was the only rookie to record a hat trick. Upson was also the CHA Regular Season Scoring Champion, she finished the year with 22 points on 12 goals and 10 assists in conference play.

The graduate student Thiessen earns her first individual CHA Award. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native piled on 12 assists to go with one goal in the blueliners final collegiate season. She finished second on the team this year with 51 blocks and finished her career with over 300 blocked shots. Thiessen was also selected as a Co-Captain for the Lakers this season. Her strong leadership on and off the ice has stuck out all season long.