Waldron And Luciano Honored By The MAC
5/11/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo softball team had a pair of players honored by the Mid-American Conference on Wednesday afternoon as the league office announced its postseason awards. Junior Kristin Waldron was named to the All-MAC Second Team, while Holly Luciano was named to the MAC's All-Freshman Team.
Waldron was listed as the utility non pitcher on the second team as she split time this season between third base and catcher. Waldron led the team with a .313 batting average, including a .418 mark in conference play. Waldron was one of just two players to play and start in all 47 games this season. She led the team in hits, doubles and runs batted in. She also stole 10 bases this year, which is third on the team. While behind the plate, Waldron threw out nine base runners and had just one passed ball charged against her.
Luciano was a staple in center field during her first season with the Bulls as she played in 46 games, picking up 43 starts. Luciano finished with a .265 batting average, but hit .309 in conference play. Luciano had 21 of her 35 hits in conference action. She led the Bulls with 22 runs scored and finished second on the team in hits and stolen bases. Luciano's two home runs were tied for second on the team.
Waldron becomes the fifth UB player to be named to the All-MAC Second Team and the first since Mary Russell in 2008. Luciano becomes UB's fourth All-Freshman Team selection and the second straight year that a UB player has been named to the squad. Ashley Bertot was named to the All-Freshman team last year.
All-MAC First Team
1B - Taylor Rager, Ball State
2B - Brittini Merchant, Central Mich.
SS - Molly Coldren, Central Michigan
3B - Gracie Barstad, Western Mich.
3B - Jessica Richards, Eastern Mich.
C - Sarah Gerber, Eastern Mich.
C - Amanda Montalto, Ball State
OF - Alyssa Collins, Ball State
OF - Danielle Parrish, Northern Illinois
OF - McKenna Russ, Eastern Mich.
OF - Lexie Jager, Western Michigan
Pitcher - Jessica Simpson, Miami
Pitcher - Meredith Whitney, Western Mich.
Utility Non-Pitcher - Stephanie Tofft, Northern Illinois
Utility Pitcher - Emily Wethington, Ohio
All-MAC Second Team
1B - Paige Berger, Bowling Green
2B - Andrea Colosimo, Northern Illinois
SS - Alexis Joseph, Ohio
SS - Stacie Skodinski, Eastern Mich.
3B - Daniela Torres, Miami
OF - Mel Bonner, Ohio
OF - Kathryn Russette, Miami
OF - Macy Merchant, Central Mich.
OF - Lindsey Tobias, Toledo
C - Adriana Sanchez, Northern Illinois
Pitcher - Kara Dornbos, Central Mich.
Pitcher - Lauren Wells, Eastern Mich.
Utility Pitcher - Kari Seddon, Central Mich.
Utility Non- Pitcher - Kristin Waldron, Buffalo
Utility Non- Pitcher - Jennifer Gilbert, Ball State
All-Freshman Team
Katie Gross, Akron
Jennifer Gilbert, Ball State
Taylor Rager, Ball State
Holly Luciano, Buffalo
Brittney Horan, Central Michigan
Lauren Wells, Eastern Michigan
Alex Marcantonio, Kent State
Kirstie Fehrenbach, Miami
Shelby Miller, Northern Illinois
Stephanie Tofft, Northern Illinois
Specialty Awards
Coach of the Year - Kathy Leitke, Western Michigan
Freshman of the Year - Stephanie Tofft, Northern Illinois
Pitcher of the Year - Jessica Simpson, Miami
Player of the Year - Gracie Barstad, Western Michigan
Nan Harvey Award - Holly Finchum, Kent State
