Thursday, May 20, 2010

Valparaiso sophomore outfielder Sara Strickland (Phoenix, Ariz./Horizon) has received Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division I Second Team All-Midwest Region honors after her record-breaking 2010 season in the leadoff spot for the Crusaders.

Strickland, who becomes the first Crusader under head coach Randy Schneider to earn NFCA All-Region accolades, set new program single-season records for hits (69) and total bases (102) in 2010 and hit at a .394 clip, second-best in the Horizon League and among the top-60 nationally.  Her batting average was also second-best in school history in a single season, along with her on-base percentage (.478), and she finished her sophomore campaign tied for second in a single year in Crusader history in both doubles (14) and triples (5).  In addition, she scored 43 runs and drew 26 walks, both third-best in a single season all-time at Valpo, and her 25 stolen bases rank fourth on the Crusader single-season charts.

Through two seasons, Strickland has cemented herself as one of the best ballplayers in program history.  Her .383 career batting average and .472 career on-base percentage both top the Crusader all-time charts, while her .571 slugging percentage is second-best all-time at Valpo.  In addition, she already ranks second in Crusader history in stolen bases (53), fourth in runs scored (89), fifth in doubles (28) and sixth in walks (51).

Strickland was one of just three Horizon League players honored with All-Region accolades, joining Cleveland State’s Amanda Macenko and Tess Sito.  Strickland, along with all of the All-Region honorees, is now eligible for NFCA Division I All-American honors, which will be announced on June 2.