Pitts, Terry highlight Chapman softball's four All-Independent selections
ORANGE, Calif. – Even though the season did not go as planned on the diamond, the Chapman University softball team was still well represented on the 2011 Association of Division III Independents All-Independent team with four selections. The Panthers' four selections includes junior C Michelle Pitts and sophomore utility Katie Terry who were named to the second team along with honorable mention selections, P Kristen Oechsel and OF Kerry Peterson
Pitts, a first team selection as a freshman in 2009, led Chapman in almost every statistical category while being the only Panther to appear in all 40 games. Pitts was a standout offensively and defensively for Chapman, leading the team in both batting average (.404) and fielding percentage (.980). Pitts also paced the Panthers in hits (46), doubles (11) and runs batted in (17).
Terry, a two-way player for Chapman, finished second on the team in both batting average (.395) and earned-run average (5.46). Her 101.1 innings pitched, 61 strikeouts, nine complete games and five wins were tops on the pitching staff. Terry also had 12 RBI in just 38 at bats. The sophomore had a grand-slam home run against Whittier College in April.
Oechsel led the Panthers with a 3.47 ERA in 16 appearances including three starts. The senior had an outstanding season despite not having played competitive softball since high school. In her first career start, she tossed a complete game shutout against La Sierra on April 10.
For Peterson, it is her second-consecutive selection to the All-Independent team after earning first team honors last year. She led the team with16 runs scored this season and also had a team-high six outfield assists. Peterson also finished second on the Panthers in hits, with 25, while batting .275.
The Association of Division III Independents consists of 13 Division III independent institutions that have joined together to recognize student-athletes at independent institutions, and to provide exempted postseason championship competition. The Association recognizes outstanding athletic achievements of its student-athletes on a weekly, monthly and annual basis.
by Bryan Ziebelman
Sports Information Intern