Softball Names Five To NFCA All-Academic Squad
Binnall, Brown, Fitzgerald, Whitelaw and Whiting among 1,018 DIII students honored by NFCA
FITCHBURG, Mass. – The Fitchburg State softball team named five players to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III All-Academic Scholar Athletic Team as announced by the organization this afternoon.
Recent graduates Marissa Binnall, Katelyn Fitzgerald, Amanda Whitelaw and Brittany Whiting as well as junior Jessalynne Brown were among the 1,018 student-athletes honored by the NFCA. Spanning over 159 different institutions, the 2014-15 All-America Scholar Athletes includes all student-athletes nominated by their schools that have achieved a 3.5 grade point average or better over a 4.0 grading scale.
Binnall, a four-year starters for the Falcons softball team, ranked third on the team with a .309 batting average, including 21 hits, nine runs scored, three RBI and four stolen bases. Marissa posted a stellar 3.82 GPA, while majoring in Mathematics with a concentration in Secondary Education.
Katie, a four-year member for the Green and Gold, saw action in 22 games, hitting 1.86 with eight hits, three runs scored, four runs batted in and a pair of steals, while registering an outstanding 3.83 grade point average in the field of Special Education.
Brown, a two year starting infielder for Fitchburg State, collected 22 hits, 12 runs scored, four doubles, two homeruns and a team-best 15 RBI, while appearing in all 27 contests for the Falcons. Jessalynne notched a 3.62 GPA, while majoring in Psychological Sciences with a minor in Disability Studies at the University.
Amanda, a four year outfielder for the Falcons softball team, appeared in all 27 games for Fitchburg State, hitting .257, including 18 hits, one double, eight runs scored, eight RBI and one steal. Whitelaw majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, registering a grade point average of 3.53.
Whiting, a four year starting pitched for the Green and Gold, concluded the season with 74 strikeouts in 73 innings of work, while posting a team-leading 2.40 ERA in 13 appearance for the Falcons. Brittany registered a 3.54 GPA, majoring in Special Education with a minor in English Literature.
The Fitchburg State softball team concluded the 2015 season an overall record of 11-16, including a 5-9 mark in the MASCAC.