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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