Defiance College Softball Recognized for Academic Success

STARKVILLE, Miss. – The Defiance College softball team posted a collective 3.21 grade point average during the 2009-10 academic school year to earn recognition as a National Fastpitch Coaches Association Div. III All-Academic Team. DC's cumulative GPA ranked 68th in the nation and second in the HCAC.

A total of six players from the 2010 season, including four returners for the 2011 campaign, represented DC by earning the individual distinction as NFCA All-Academic Scholars as well. Aubrie Ridinger, Caitlin Rudden, Elizabeth Petrie, Katelyn Samples, Kelly Schnipke and Kelsey Williams each received the honor, which requires student-athletes to post a minimum GPA of 3.5 to qualify. Ridinger, Petrie, Samples and Schnipke will return for DC's 2011 softball season, and each should play a major role on the field for the Jackets.

Ridinger tallied 33 starts in the outfield last season, recording 15 hits, 15 runs and 27 putouts, all of which marked career-highs for the LaGrange, Ohio native. Samples roamed the outfield for DC as well, and played in all but one of the Jackets' 36 games, while picking up 13 runs and 17 hits. Petrie has had an impressive fall season, and will compete for playing time at first base in 2011 after posting three RBI in just 17 at bats last season. Schnipke served as the ace of the Jackets' pitching rotation last season with over 93 innings pitched, seven wins and 43 strikeouts before being tabbed as an Honorable Mention All-HCAC performer for the first time in her career.

The Yellow Jacket softball team will begin the season on March 4, 2011, when they head to Danville, Ky., for a doubleheader with Centre College, before continuing further south to compete in the annual Rebel Spring Games in Orlando, Fla.