The UMass Lowell rowing and ice hockey teams each received the Bob Griffin Academic Award for the highest female and male team grade point averages Monday night at the UMass Lowell Athletic Department Annual Senior Salute at the Inn and Conference Center.

The rowing team compiled a team GPA of 3.315 and earned the honor for the first time while the ice hockey team won the honor for the sixth consecutive year with a 3.06 average on a 4.0 scale.

“It is definitely a credit to an exceptional group of young women,” said head coach Veronika Platzer. “The kids who do this sport are very mature and very serious. They understand accountability and reliability. It's a great group of kids and this is nothing short of impressive.”

The rowing team finished the season this weekend by placing fourth in the Women's Division II Varsity Eight Petite Final at the 2013 Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia. UMass Lowell also highlighted the season by winning the bronze medal in the Varsity Four at the New England Championship.

Platzer went on to say, “Our kids don't use 5 a.m. practice as an excuse, they use it as an important part of their identity. Everyone has their moment in the sun and this is ours. We're really proud to contribute to the culture of excellence at UMass Lowell.”

The women's cross country team was the runner-up with a collective 3.276 while the women's track and field team compiled a 3.182.

Led by second-year head coach, Norm Bazin the River Hawks finished with a 28-11-2 record and 16-9-2 record in Hockey East. UMass Lowell achieved many firsts this season when it captured the Hockey East regular season, the Hockey East tournament championship, NCAA Tournament Northeast Regional and made the school's first ever appearance in the NCAA Frozen Four.

“Winning the Griffin Award for the top GPA for male sports teams is something we strive for every year coming into the season,” said Bazin. We strive for excellence both on and off the ice and our guys continue to prove you don't have to negotiate one for the other. We are very proud of this accomplishment.”

The ice hockey team edged the golf team which has a 3.021 average while the men's cross country team came in with a 2.887.