PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Two BIG EAST Conference standouts were among the 58 fall winners of NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships, which recognize student-athletes across all three NCAA divisions who excel academically and athletically.

Louisville field hockey goalkeeper Heather Bustanoby and Pittsburgh volleyball middle blocker Meagan Dooley were the BIG EAST’s two winners from the 29 women chosen for fall sports honors. Each winner receives a one-time grant of $7,500 for postgraduate studies.

Bustanoby was the 2009 BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year and a third team all-America selection for Louisville. She had a 12-8 record and a 1.56 goals-against average for the Cardinals, who finished the season ranked No. 16 in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association poll.

Dooley, who was previously chosen as the BIG EAST Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, is one of the most decorated volleyball players in BIG EAST history. In addition to her selection as the 2009 BIG EAST Player of the Year, Dooley was an All-America Third Team pick of the American Volleyball Coaches Association. She earned All-BIG EAST honors four times and finished the 2009 season as the BIG EAST leader in blocks (1.71 per set) and points (4.94 per set).

The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship was created in 1964 to promote and encourage postgraduate education by rewarding the most accomplished student-athletes through their participation in NCAA championship and/or emerging sports.

The selection criteria consists of athletics and academic achievements, as well as campus involvement, community service, volunteer activities and demonstrated leadership. The NCAA awards up to 174 postgraduate scholarships annually – 87 for men and 87 for women – to student-athletes who are in their final year of intercollegiate athletics competition.