Softball Lands Three on SEC Preseason Team
1/26/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 26, 2011
SEC Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Southeastern Conference announced its fourth annual Preseason All-SEC team for the upcoming season of SEC Softball. The Tide had three players named to the list as seniors Kelsi Dunne and Whitney Larsen and sophomore Kayla Braud claimed the preseason honor.
This is the third consecutive appearance on the list for All-American Kelsi Dunne. The SEC Pitcher of the Year struck out a single season school record of 355 batters in 2011 and finished 30-6 with a 1.97 ERA. The right-hander capped off the season at 24-2 in her last 26 games, striking out 249 in her final 150 innings pitched. Dunne was also named MVP of the conference tournament.
Kayla Braud is returning after a stellar freshman season in which she broke the Alabama single season batting record with a .505 average. The All-American was a top-10 finalist for USA/ASA Player of the Year. The Eugene, Ore., native also collected 75 hits, scored 95 runs and swiped 45 bases.
Whitney Larsen joins the preseason squad for the first time in her stellar career. Larsen finished the 2010 campaign with a career year, batting .318 while adding 15 home runs and 57 RBI. The infielder saw action in all 63 of the Tide's games and was an All-SEC second team and SEC all-tournament team selection.
The preseason All-SEC team consists of 13 players. Braud was one of four sophomores selected, the rest of the list being seniors.
First pitch for this year's Alabama squad is slated for Feb. 11 in the Hibbett Sports/Easton All-Alabama Softball Classic with a 6 p.m., matchup against Samford. The three-day tournament will be hosted at Liberty Park in Vestavia Hills.
