WAYNE – The Wayne State College softball team along with several players received an Easton/NFCA Academic Team award.
The announcement came on Wednesday, October 3 from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association office in Louisville, Kentucky, 13 Wildcat players were honored. Each athlete was recognized with an Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete honor for posting an individual grade point average of 3.50 or better.
As a team, Wayne State ranked 12th in NCAA Division II with a stellar 3.624 grade point average and was one of five teams from the Northern Sun Conference to receive the award.
The NSIC was represented well as Upper Iowa University was the second-best Division II school with a 3.717 grade point average following only Urbana University (3.840) out of 75 programs. MSU Moorhead (21st – 3.590), Minnesota State-Mankato (58th – 3.295) and Augustana University (68th – 3.228) rounded out the NSIC teams.
The Wayne State College softball team finished the 2018 season with records of 16-29 overall and 10-16 in the NSIC. WSC will open the 2019 season with an Eight-State Classic on February 15 before their first home contest will be on March 26 when Augustana comes to the Pete Chapman Softball Complex for a double header.
Individually, 13 Wildcat players received the Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete honor, including four players that posted perfect 4.00 grade point averages. The list includes:
Jordyn Breitbarth Senior 3.740
Alyx Hagen Junior 3.740
Ashley Hernandez Freshman 4.000
Abbie Hix Junior 3.700
Taylor Menard Junior 3.940
Maddie Moser Freshman 4.000
Allison Niemeier Sophomore 3.540
Raquell Penke Freshman 3.575
Baylee Rial Junior 3.540
Jenna Stewart Sophomore 4.000
Riley Vanderveen Junior 3.783
Morgan Vasa Junior 3.540
Katelyn Wobken Senior 4.000
