June 28, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State softball team enjoyed its best season in nine years in 2008 as they finished 54-13, No. 15 in both the NFCA and USA polls while setting numerous team and individual records and hosting an NCAA Regional for the first time in two years.

Head coach Margie Wright announced the end of the year team awards and with no doubt named freshman pitcher Morgan Melloh team MVP. Melloh was named a First-Team Easton All-American and a Second-Team NFCA All-American. She broke four school single-season records including appearances (59), wins (42), innings pitched (360.1) and strikeouts (454). She also ranks in the top 10 in complete games (44), games started (46), strikeouts per 7 innings (8.82), shutouts (20) and saves (3). She ranked among the top in the NCAA each week in wins (second), ERA (top 20), strikeouts per 7 innings (top 20) and saves (top 30).

Melloh ranks in the top 10 in a single-season in WAC games in victories (12), strikeouts per 7 innings (8.44) and strikeouts (133) and in the single-season WAC for all games she ranks first in victories, strikeouts and innings pitched. She ranks in the top 20 in the NCAA in a single season in appearances (59), complete games (44), innings pitched (360.1) and victories (42).

The Golden Glove award went to freshman catcher Caitlin Stiglich who did not even play the position her senior year of high school but was sensational and earned the WAC Hitter of the Week honor after her play in the Judi Garman Classic in Fullerton.

Stiglich only had two errors behind the plate all season and had a team-best .996 fielding percentage. She threw out 15 opposing runners attempting to steal bases.

Senior Aja Scheuber earned the Clutch Hitter Award. The designated player batted in the clean-up spot all season and was second on the team with 48 RBI's. Scheuber was one of three Bulldogs to play and start in all 67 games. She led the team with a .402 average with runners in scoring position.

The Career Achievement Award went to senior second baseman Jenna Cervantez. Cervantez was a two-time First Team All-West Region honoree, a three-time All-WAC selection, 2007 WAC All-Tournament team member, three-time Pre-Season All WAC, three-time Academic All-WAC and a two-time Fresno State Scholar Athlete.

Cervantez left Fresno State with 28 career home runs to rank her seventh all-time in school history. Her 14 home runs in a single season tied her for fifth.

Most Inspirational went to Aubrey Fast. The junior transfer played her first season with the `Dogs in 2008. Coach Wright said that Fast "made good choices" and was a leader on the field and in the classroom.

Lindsay Milchovich was honored with the Bulldog Achievement Award. The senior from Covina, Calif., excelled academically, in the community and improved athletically. Milchovich played just eight games in 2007 but saw her playing time increase as she played in 26 games in 2008, starting in 22 at first base. She was a 2007 NFCA Scholar-Athlete, 2007 Academic All-WAC member, a 2007 Dean's List member and a three-time Fresno State Scholar-Athlete.

This year's Coaches Award went to senior outfielder Ashley White. Due to injuries by her teammates, White played both in left field and at third base and when called upon excelled at both positions. White transferred into the program her sophomore season from the College of San Mateo and improved her numbers greatly in her three years on and off the field.

The Academic Excellence Award hands down goes to third baseman Haley Perkins. Perkins is a 2007 WAC Scholar-Athlete, two-time ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District VII member, two-time Academic All-WAC, two-time Fresno State Scholar Athlete, two-time Dean's list member and had a 4.00 GPA in the spring.

"Join the State- Fresno State!" - For information on the Fresno State softball team in the off season log on to www.gobulldogs.com.