Softball 5/8/2013 6:27:00 PM SUU Strategic Communication

Softball Honors Eight In First Big Sky Season

CEDAR CITY, Utah, May 8 – A total of eight Southern Utah softball players received postseason recognition from the Big Sky following the team's first year as a member of the new conference, it was announced Wednesday. Leading the way for the Thunderbirds were freshman shortstop Kelli Hales and centerfielder Kylee Wolf who were both named to the first team and transfer pitcher Ariel Zimmerman, who was unanimously named the league's Newcomer of the Year. SUU sluggers Mikkel Griffin and Kelsey Bryant both earned spots on the second team while first baseman Madison Resley, catcher Katie Olinger and third baseman Kadi Henderson each picked up honorable mention recognition.

Wolf had a tremendous premier season at Southern Utah, starting from day one as a true freshman. The Spanish Fork, Utah native took some time settling in during the preseason, but then went on to post a .404 batting average along with a .635 slugging percentage in Big Sky play. The Thunderbird centerfielder ranked among the team leaders with nine doubles, five stolen bases and 24 runs scored while batting from the leadoff spot.

Hales anchored an SUU infield that was the No. 1 team in the NCAA with an average of 0.78 double plays per game. A fellow Spanish Fork native, the freshman shortstop led the team with 137 assists and recorded a .943 fielding percentage. Hales also ranked among the toughest players in the nation to strikeout and hit for a .318 average in Big Sky contests.

Zimmerman finished her first year as a T-Bird with six wins in conference play, one of the highest totals among all Big Sky pitchers. She also ranked among the league leaders with 33 strikeouts while pitching more than 58 innings. After coming to Southern Utah from her home in Lehi, Utah by way of Salt Lake Community College, Zimmerman led team in the circle with 107 total Ks and tossed 14 complete games during the regular season.

Bryant hit .340 during her senior campaign, with a .471 batting average of .333 in Big Sky competition. The Surrey, B.C. native hit five home runs on the year led the Thunderbirds with 35 RBI, 16 doubles, a .542 slugging percentage and 28 runs scored. Griffin followed close behind with a .318 batting average, including a .333 mark in conference play, nine doubles, 27 runs scored and tied for the team-lead with six homers.

Henderson and Resley posted home run totals of six and four respectively to move into a tie for eighth place in the SUU record books with 19 career dingers. The Thunderbird third baseman ranked second on the team after driving in 29 runs while Resley was third with a .302 batting average. Olinger appeared in 37 games behind the plate for the T-Birds and hit .346 in Big Sky play.

Other notable award winners include Idaho State catcher Vicky Galasso who was selected as the Player of the Year after leading the conference with a .544 batting average as well as 31 RBI, Pitcher of the Year Anna Bertrand who racked up 14 conference wins for Portland State and ISU first baseman Maddy Hickman who hit .431 with 21 RBI on her way to being named the Freshman of the Year. Further information and a complete list of honorees can be found at www.bigskyconf.com.

The all-star Thunderbird lineup is in Pocatello, Idaho this week for the Big Sky Conference Tournament. The Thunderbirds open play against Portland State on Thursday at 1 p.m. Live coverage of the games is available on www.suutbirds.com.

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Players Mentioned

#23 Kelsey Bryant: INF; 5' 11"; Senior

#17 Mikkel Griffin: INF; 5' 5"; Senior

#7 Kelli Hales: INF; 5' 5"; Freshman

#5 Kadi Henderson: UT; 5' 3"; Junior

#25 Katie Olinger: C; 5' 4"; Senior

#00 Madison Resley: 1B; 5' 11"; Junior

#27 Kylee Wolf: OF; 5' 8"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#23 Kelsey Bryant
: 5' 11"; Senior
: INF

#17 Mikkel Griffin
: 5' 5"; Senior
: INF

#7 Kelli Hales
: 5' 5"; Freshman
: INF

#5 Kadi Henderson
: 5' 3"; Junior
: UT

#25 Katie Olinger
: 5' 4"; Senior
: C

#00 Madison Resley
: 5' 11"; Junior
: 1B

#27 Kylee Wolf
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: OF