The Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) announced their 2023 Softball All-Conference Teams and Major Awards on Thursday, May 11, featuring several Gators.
Jessie Leatherwood highlighted the list, earning first team honors as a utility player. NDMU filled the All-Conference Second Team with
Gena Donalds,
Candace Forgach-Aguilar,
Lilyian Hafner and
Bethani Newbold each earning the honor.
Leatherwood earned her title as the top utility player in the conference, starting games in center field, right field, second base, first base and in the circle as a pitcher this season. She was outstanding with the bat, smashing 39 hits including five doubles, five triples and homerun. Leatherwood led the team in batting average by hitting .415 and in RBIs with 29. In addition to her excellent work at the plate, Leatherwood was lights out in the circle. She finished the season with an ERA of 2.58, pitching 84.0 innings and recording 115 strikeouts.
Donalds made an immediate impact when arriving on campus, settling in at second base. Donalds hit .299, recording 23 hits. She drove in nine RBIs on the season. Donalds was aggressive on the base paths, recording nine stolen bases. She finished the season with a perfect field percentage.
Forgach-Aguilar became one of the conference's small ball hitters. She recorded 25 hits, bringing in 15 RBIs. Forgach-Aguilar was excellent outfielder, starting mostly in left field where she made 35 putouts.
Hafner anchored the Gators defense, becoming the teams primary third basemen. She hit .319 with 29 hits. Hafner came through in clutch situations, driving in 27 runs. She also showed her power, smashing six extra base hits including two homeruns.
Newbold earned her spot on the all-conference team as an outfielder. She had one of the best bats in the conference, hitting .383, recording 31 hits while driving in 15 RBIs.
Scarlett Miller was named to the CSAC All-Sportsmanship team for her efforts this season.
Fans can keep up with NDMU Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @ndmgatorsports.
