Kansas City, MO - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced the 2011 Softball All-America teams. 29 players were named to the First and Second Teams, as selected by the NAIA All-America committee. From No. 10 Brenau University's roster, 2 players were selected as members on the NAIA First Team All-American, and 1 was named an Honorable Mention.
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A 3rd baseman, Tiffany Schandera (Columbus, GA), has been constantly recognized this postseason, for all of the hard work she demonstrated on the field, throughout the season. The dominate sophomore racked up in honorable awards this year, not only was she selected as a First Team All-American, but she was also named 2011 Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Player of the Year, as well as being selected a member on the First Team Louisville Slugger All-Region. Schandera was a force to be reckoned with, while at bat; she leads Top 10 in the Nation for doubles per game (0.479), total doubles (23), runs scored per game (1.292), hits per game (1.583), batting average (0.487), and total runs scored (62).
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Jenny Shepherd (Martinez, GA), freshmen pitcher/designated player, has also been acknowledged for her talent and efforts on the field. Within her first season of playing collegiate softball, Shepherd has already gained awards that veteran players can only dream of. This post season, she has been named the 2011 SSAC Co-Freshman of the Year, a member of the First Team Louisville Slugger All-Region, and now First Team All-American. Over the course of the season, Shepherd ranked nationally for total runs allowed (26), batters struck out per 9 (10.45), and total earned runs allowed (24).
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Sophomore pitcher, Anna Maness (Seagrove, NC) was named an All-American Honorable Mention. Maness helped to lead the Golden Tigers, from the mound, for the duration of the season. While doing so, she managed to stand out by earning top national rankings for opponents batting average (0.176), hits allowed per 9 (5.68), wins (21), earned run average (1.290), and total batters struck out (171). With statistics like that, there is no wonder why she was selected to be a member of First Team All-Conference (SSAC), as well as Second Team Louisville Slugger All-Region.
After reviewing the All-American announcement, Head Softball Coach, Devon Thomas, had this to say, "This is a tremendous accomplishment for these young ladies. It is true honor to be selected as an All-American in the NAIA where there are so many talented athletes. Their hard work and dedication to the game has set the standard even higher for Brenau University Softball and the continued success of our program."
