DC Places Five on All-HCAC List

GREENWOOD, Ind. – The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference released its softball award winners on Wednesday, as the Defiance College softball team had five players receive all-conference recognition, marking the third time in school history the team has placed that many individuals on the All-HCAC list.

Amanda Auzins headlined the group of Jackets receiving mention, earning All-HCAC First Team accolades. Seniors Melanie Bushman and Justine Johnston garnered Second Team honors along with sophomore Mallory Faling, while Tasha Stucke was named All-HCAC Honorable Mention.

Auzins is capping off her career at Defiance with an impressive senior campaign, as the outfielder is .302 with three long balls and 23 RBI on the year. The Napoleon, Ohio native has been at her best since sliding into the leadoff spot, hitting .338 with five doubles and 13 RBI in that time.

Bushman received All-HCAC honors for the second time in her career, after leading the Jackets with a .352 batting average, 10 doubles and 37 RBI. The first baseman claimed two HCAC Hitter-of-the-Week honors this season, while also being selected to the All-HCAC Tournament team.

Johnston adds to her already incredible list of accolades, garnering All-HCAC honors for the fourth-straight season. DC's staff ace, who was tabbed as an All-Region performer earlier this week, recorded the victory in all three of the Jackets' games in the HCAC Tournament. Johnston is currently 17-9 on the season with a 2.22 ERA.

Faling was tabbed as an All-HCAC selection for the second-consecutive season, after leading HCAC catchers in nearly every statistical category. The sophomore catcher picked up where she left off in 2008, hitting .297 on the year with four home runs and 25 RBI this season.

Stucke has established herself as one of the premier defensive players in the conference this season, leading the HCAC with 127 assists on the year. The sophomore shortstop is hitting .297 on the season, while tallying 10 doubles, two triples and 29 RBI.

Defiance (29-14) will be back in action tomorrow, May 8, when it faces Ohio Northern in second round action. The first pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.