Cougar Logo
 

Softball

 SIUE Softball
SIUE Athletics
Cougar Ruler

May 15, 2001

SIUE Softball's McCoy, Newman Named All-American
         (EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) For the second consecutive season, two Southern Illinois University Edwardsville softball players have been named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-American Team.
         Valerie McCoy (Bethalto) and Erin Newman (Fairfield, Calif.) were selected to the NFCA All-American second and third team, respectively. McCoy and Newman also were tabbed first team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference and All-Great Lakes Region after helping the Cougars to a 41-17 record and a second straight bid to the NCAA-II Great Lakes Regional.
         Coach Sandy Montgomery couldn't be happier about the recognition of McCoy and Newman.
         "It is an honor for them, an honor for me as the coach and an honor for our program," said Montgomery.
         McCoy, a junior, earns the first NFCA All-American selection of her career after having a standout season for the Cougars. She was third on the team with a career-best .384 batting average. McCoy also posted a career-best in hits (61) and at-bats (159) this season. She recorded a .979 fielding percentage at second base and did not commit an error in conference play.
         "I am very happy for Val to finally get the recognition she deserves for her talents," said Montgomery. "She has been an impact player for us."
         Newman, a junior, was selected NFCA All-American for the second consecutive season, becoming the only softball Cougar to earn more than one NFCA All-American selection. She finished the season as the team leader in batting average (.397), hits (75), doubles (19), home runs (17), runs batted in (61) and slugging percentage (.778). Newman's 17 home runs and 61 runs batted in set single-season records at SIUE. The third baseman also ranks on the Cougars' career lists. Newman is first in career batting average (.409), home runs (36) and doubles (57).
         "It is quite an accomplishment for Erin to be recognized two consecutive years, especially after coming off shoulder surgery," said Montgomery.
         Katie Waldo (Peoria) and Newman were selected to the NFCA All-American Team last season.
         The NFCA All-Americans will be recognized at dinner at the Salem Civic Center in Salem, Va., the site of the 2001 NCAA Division II Championships, tomorrow evening.
                  -siue-