Ali Newton, Shelby Knapp And Abby Haab Earn NFCA Academic Awards
In recognition of their performance on the field and in the classroom, Newton, Knapp and Haab named All-America Scholar-Athletes.
Springfield, Ohio – Wittenberg University softball standouts Ali Newton (Dublin, Ohio/Hilliard Davidson), Shelby Knapp (Springfield, Ohio/Springfield) and Abby Haab (Dublin, Ohio/Jerome) have been honored by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) with All-America Scholar-Athlete awards in recognition of their work in the classroom and on the field in the 2015 season.
Newton, Knapp and Haab are among 833 NCAA Division III softball student-athletes who have earned the honor. To make the list, a player must maintain a 3.5 cumulative grade point average.
“We are extremely proud of the academic accomplishments of these three student-athletes,” said Head Coach Laura Matthews. “They are true examples of well-rounded student-athletes, and their commitment to the philosophy of NCAA Division III is commendable.”
Newton, a junior catcher, started 20 games in the 2015 season, and once again her defensive work behind the plate was stellar. She was charged with just one error against 75 putouts and six assists.
Knapp, who graduated in May 2015, saw action in 23 games in 2015, primarily as a late-inning replacement on the basepaths or defensively in the outfield. She scored six runs and stole three bases.
Haab, a freshman pitcher, appeared in 23 games, including 16 starting assignments in the pitcher’s circle. She posted a 7-10 record and a 3.63 earned run average in 88.2 innings. She tossed six complete games, including one shutout.
Wittenberg finished 20-17 overall and 11-5 in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) in 2015, good for second place in the final regular season standings. Wittenberg advanced to the NCAC Tournament for the third straight year.
Written By: Ryan Maurer