Official NFCA Release
The National Fastpitch Coaches Association on Monday released its Division I Softball Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year with UMass' staff of head coach Elaine Sortino and assistant coaches Jessica Merchant and Kristi Stefanoni being named Northeast Coaching Staff of the Year. This is the sixth time that a Sortino led coaching staff at UMass has earned the honor, most recently in 2006.
USA Softball Release
The Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) announced on Monday the three teams that will represent USA Softball Women's National team program during the 2009 summer season, with UMass alum Brandice Balschmiter being named to the USA Pan American Qualifying Team. The Pan Am qualifying tournament will be held in Maracay, Venezuela on July 31 to August 9. The three teams were selected after a selection camp last week in Chula Vista, Calif.
Minutewomen Ranked 14th In Final Polls
The ECAC released its Division I Softball All-Stars on Tuesday and three UMass players garnered honors. Senior pitcher Brandice Balschmiter, junior centerfielder Carly Normandin, and senior leftfielder Samantha Salato were all named to the 11-player team, with Balschmiter being named Pitcher of the Year and Normandin being named Player of the Year.
Final USA Today/NFCA Softball Poll | Final ESPN.com/USA Softball Poll
The National Fastpitch Coaches Association released its final USA Today/NFCA Division I Poll on Tuesday with UMass finishing the season ranked 14th. The Minutewomen jumped 10 spots from the last poll, on May 12 prior to the start of the NCAA Tournament. It is the highest UMass has been ranked since 1999. The Minutewomen, who finished 2009 with a 41-10 record after losing to eventual national champion Washington in an epic two-game regional final on May 17, are also ranked 14th in the final ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 Poll.
Balschmiter & Normandin Named NFCA All-Americans
Easton Sports, Inc. announced its Easton All-American softball teams on Wednesday with UMass' Brandice Balschmiter and Carly Normandin both being named to the first team. For senior pitcher Balschmiter, it is her fourth-straight Easton All-American award, while junior centerfielder Normandin picks up her first Easton honor. The Easton All-American teams are chosen from schools that the company sponsors.
NFCA All-American Teams
UMass senior Brandice Balschmiter and junior Carly Normandin were both named 2009 Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-Americans by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association on Wednesday afternoon. Balschmiter was named a second team pitcher, while Normandin was named third team outfielder. They are the 16th and 17th NFCA All-Americans in UMass history and first honorees in six years.
