LEWISTON, Maine -- Bates College junior defender Molly McMahon of Cumberland has been named a second-team All-american by the United States Women's Lacrosse Association (USWLA) and a third-team All-American by the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA).

McMahon, a co-captain, scored goals this season against Springfield College and Connecticut College, but her primary role was as a defender. Playing third man, McMahon covered the opposition's top attacker. She led the team with 61 ground balls and caused 56 turnovers while playing every minute of every game for the Bobcats. McMahon was named defensive player of the game by her teammates in six of 12 games.

McMahon is the 12th woman in Bates history to earn All-America honors in lacrosse, the most for any team sport. She was named first-team All-Region in both lacrosse and field hockey this year.

"Molly is a terrific leader for such a young team," said head coach Stacey Watts. "Her skill and poise against some of the top scorers in the conference were outstanding. Molly deserves this award."

The Bobcats finished the season 5-7. Each of their seven losses came to teams who qualified for either the NCAA or ECAC post-season tournament, including three of the four semifinalists. Their schedule was rated among the top four most difficult in the country by the laxpower.com Web site. Bates' top win of the season came against ECAC qualifier Connecticut College, rallying from a 6-0 deficit to win, 9-8.

McMahon is a 1995 graduate of North Yarmouth Academy.