Brenau Softball Continues to Gain Recognition

Gainesville, GA - The National Fastpitch Coaches Association recently named the 2011 Louisville Slugger All-Region Team. Several of the Golden Tigers earned a position on this elite team, due to their performance this past season.

The 2011 Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Player of the Year, Tiffany Schandera (Columbus, GA) was named to a member of the 1st team. The sophomore led the Golden Tigers from 3rd base, while holding the lead off position, in hitting. Schandera finished the season No. 1 in the conference, for her batting average; she collected 76 hits, while acquiring an average of 0.487. Moreover, she ranks 2nd in the nation for doubles per game, and 3rd for total doubles. Schandera continued to dominate with her stats as she ranked 5th in the nation for runs scored per game, 6th for hits per game, and 7th with her batting average.

Junior catcher, Morgan Smith (Covington, GA), was named 1st team All-Conference earlier this spring, and now received the honor of being named to the Louisville Slugger 1st team. Although Smith was out for a time period, due to an elbow injury, she was still able to gain the recognition she deserved. Over the course of the season, Smith earned 9 homeruns, 45 RBIs, and obtained a batting average of 0.414.

SSAC Co-Freshman of the Year, Jenny Shepherd (Martinez, GA), was the final Golden Tiger to be named to the 1st team. At the end of her first season, Shepherd led the conference in strikeouts, with 96. She was a force from the mound and the plate, racking up 6 homeruns and 45 RBIs, earning a batting average of 0.405.

Anna Maness (Seagrove, NC) was also named a member to the 1st team All-Conference, while now receiving the honor of Louisville Slugger All-Region, 2nd team. This sophomore pitcher consistently defended Brenau from the mound, game after game. Maness showcased her talent, as she led the conference for earned run average; she totaled 31 during the season, with an average of 1.29. She gained the respect of many spectators as she pitched several no hitter games.

Head Softball Coach, Devon Thomas, was happy for his players as he exclaimed, "This is a great honor for each of the girls as well as for the softball program and university. They are very deserving of the awards, and their hard work throughout the season paid off and gained them recognition at the national level."