Softball

Tabitha Murray

BEREA, OHIO – Baldwin-Wallace College freshman Tabitha Murray (Mogadore/ Field) has been named to the 2011 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Central Region team. Murray was tabbed as a first-team selection at the utility position. As a first-team pick, Murray is now eligible for NFCA Division III All-America honors.

Murray’s efforts helped the Yellow Jackets compile a 28-11 overall record, tie the school single-season record for wins (1992 and 2001) and help B-W win the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament title and receive at-large berth in last week’s NCAA Division III Central Region Tournament.

Murray, who was selected to the All-OAC first-team as a utility player and as its Rookie of the Year, was B-W’s second leading hitter and one of its top pitchers.  She had a .388 batting average (45-for-116) with 25 runs scored, five doubles, six homeruns and 26 runs batted-in.  She also was third on the team with 11 stolen bases. In 18 OAC regular season games, Murray batted .458 with four homeruns, three doubles, 14 RBI and four stolen bases.

On the mound, Murray had a perfect 6-0 record, led the team with a 1.65 earned run average and had five complete games. In 46 and two-third innings pitched, she allowed 43 hits, 13 runs (11 earned) with 35 strikeouts and just eight walks. During OAC regular season play, she posted a 4-0 mark with a 1.95 ERA and 22 whiffs in 32.1 innings of action. Murray also was named the OAC Hitter and Pitcher of the Week for her efforts during the Week of April 18-24.

“Tabitha had an outstanding freshman season and was a large contributor to our success,” said Head Coach Tom Spencer. “She was one of a number of first-year students who made a huge impact this spring.

“She was one of our best hitters and hit in the fourth spot of the lineup for much of the season,” continued Spencer. “As the season went along, we were able to more fully utilize her talents both at the plate and on the mound. Tabitha gave us an opportunity to have four strong pitchers see action while not wearing out our staff.  She had a fine season and is quite deserving of All-Central Region acclaim.”

Murray and the Yellow Jackets had a 1-2 record and placed fifth in the Central Region Tournament.

FOR MORE B-W Sports Information, please contact Sports Information Director Kevin Ruple by telephone at 440-826-2327 and e-mail at kruple@bw.edu. or Assistant SID Jeff Miller by phone at 440-826-2780 and email at jefmille@bw.edu Fans can access the latest B-W athletics information at www.bw.edu/athletics and we invite you to join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bwyellowjackets and Twitter at http://twitter.com/bwathletics