PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Three members of the Vermont State University Castleton field hockey team earned Little East Conference accolades as announced by the conference on Thursday morning, highlighted by Jess Smithson with her second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year honor.

In addition to winning the conference's top defensive award, Smithson was again named a First Team All-LEC honoree. Also earning a First Team selection was Madison Gile while Gwyn Vincent collected a Second Team nod.

Jess Smithson led the Spartan defense with a career-best 11 defensive saves, tying for second in the conference. The captain also contributed offensively, ranking third on the team in points with 12 (5g, 2a). She helped her team to an 8-11 record and scored two game-winning goals. The Beckingham, England native will leave the program tied for seventh in career assists (23). Smithson adds her third career All-LEC accolade and second Player of the Year title.

Madison Gile earned her first All-LEC honor after a strong season in the Spartan midfield. Gile tied for first in assists with five and added one goal of her own. She appeared and started in all 19 contests for Castleton.

Despite missing the final stretch of the season, Gwyn Vincent made a major impact in the 12 contests she started. The sophomore led the Spartan offense for much of the year, finishing with 21 points on eight goals and five assists, just one shy of the team lead despite playing seven fewer games.

Maggie Schwarts received the 12th Player Award, which is selected by each head coach to recognize a student-athlete's contributions to the team both on and off the field, bringing her best effort in competition, practice and other team activities that positively contribute to the program's success.