LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Twenty-five student-athletes were recently named as contenders for the 2018 Schutt Sports/NFCA Division III National Player of the Year award, the Association announced.

Reigning Player of the Year Hanna Hull of Virginia Wesleyan, a sophomore, leads the way, and is joined by Marlins senior first baseman Cassetty Howerin on the list.

Texas-Tyler leads all schools with four choices — juniors Colleen Bentke (pitcher), Nicole Garcia (outfield) and Lynsey Mitchell (designated player), and freshman catcher Ashley Perez.

Two other schools have two selections each; Trine with seniors Kaylee Fox (first base) and Erica Robles (outfield), and Williams with senior catcher Lexi Curt and junior pitcher/utility player Mackenzie Murphy. Fifteen other schools have one player apiece.

The West region has the most representatives, with seven, followed by the Atlantic with five, Central with four, East and New England with three each, and Great Lakes, Midwest and Northeast with one apiece. There are 12 seniors, eight juniors, three sophomores and two freshmen being recognized.

The list, which started at 50 prior to the season, will be reduced to 10 finalists when the All-Region teams are selected later this month, with the winner chosen following the completion of the NCAA championship.

Hull also won Schutt Sports/NFCA Division III National Freshman of the Year last season. Texas-Tyler pitcher Kelsie Batten was the inaugural Player of the Year award recipient in 2016.

2018 Schutt Sports/NFCA Division III National Player of the Year Top 25

Colleen Bentke, P, Texas-Tyler

Erin Cressman, 3B, Messiah

Lexi Curt, C, Williams

Jesse DeDomenico, P/OF, Rowan

Kaylee Fox, 1B, Trine

Nicole Garcia, OF, Texas-Tyler

Kassie Howard, P, Berry

Cassetty Howerin, 1B, Virginia Wesleyan

Hanna Hull, P, Virginia Wesleyan

Mallory Klotz, OF, Wis.-Whitewater

Melissa Livermore, 2B, Texas-Dallas

Lynsey Mitchell, DP, Texas-Tyler

Renae Morton, P, Transylvania

Mackenzie Murphy, P/UTIL, Williams

Patty Maye Ohanian, DP, Christopher Newport

Ashley Perez, C, Texas-Tyler

Kaylee Powers, 2B, Montclair State

Maitlin Raycroft, P, Texas Lutheran

Erica Robles, OF, Trine

Madison Sorensen, P, George Fox

Anna Strien, SS, Luther

Lindsey Thayer, P, St. John Fisher

Lorena Ukanwa, P, Amherst

Candace Whittemore, P, Randolph-Macon

Cassie Young, OF, Saint Mary’s (Ind.)

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