Marshall softball playersTaylor Thompson and Andi Williamson have been named NFCA Mideast All-Region second team following their 2012 season performance.
The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) announced the 20 teams that span10 different regions on Thursday. The all-region teams were chosen by NFCA member coaches from each region.
Thompson and Williamson were one of 13 student-athletes to be honored on the Mideast second team. This is first time either player has been honored by NFCA for their athletic performance. They are also the first to appear on an all-region team since Rebecca Gamby was named second team in 2010. Marshall is the only school to be represented twice on the Mideast second team.
Thompson was honored by the NFCA after a career best season. The junior achieved career highs in batting average (.347), runs scored (32), hits (42), and stolen bases (29). She led the team in runs scored, and was second in batting average and stolen bases. 29 steals is the eighth highest single-season total at Marshall. Thompson, along with teammate Jessica Hughes became the first Thundering Herd duo to each score three runs in a game since 2004 when they did so against Morehead State during the early portion of the Herd’s schedule.
“Taylor really perfected the short game and with her natural speed she made it so difficult for opposing defenses,” Marshall’s head coach Shonda Stanton said. “This recognition is well deserved.”
Williamson picks up her second honor this season after being named to the C-USA second team earlier this month. The junior earned the NFCA honor after posting record-breaking numbers. She won 25 games this season to lead the conference and break the previous MU single-season high of 23. Her 1.50 earned run average is the fifth best number in school history. She struck out 268 batters to lead the league and was two shy of tying the single-season mark at Marshall. The West Virginia native held opponents to an average of .195, the lowest number in school history and the only one below .200.
“Andi’s work ethic and determination is evident in the success she has displayed,” Stanton said about her top pitcher. “We cannot underestimate the value of her role to this program and cannot wait to see where she takes us next year.”
Both Herd players and all the honorees will now be eligible for selection to one of three 2012 NFCA Division I All-American teams. Those teams will be announced on Wednesday, May 30.
MIDEAST REGION SECOND TEAM
Pos. Name School
P Mackenzie Audas University of Central Florida
P Andi Williamson Marshall University
C Lauren Gellerman Ohio University
1B Alissa Birkhimer University of Akron
2B Evan Sallis Southeast Missouri State University
3B Brittney Lindley Rutgers University
SS Kourtney Salvarola University of South Florida
OF Mallory Duran-Sellers Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
OF Casey Castile Murray State University
OF Taylor Thompson Marshall University
UT/P Megan Hyson Georgetown University
DP/UT-Non-P Kayla Fortner University of Evansville
DP/UT-Non-P Kayla Orr University of Alabama at Birmingham