Softball Garners Four Preseason All-SEC Selections
1/31/2012 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 31, 2012
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Alabama softball team garnered four selections as the Southeastern Conference unveiled its fifth annual Preseason All-SEC team on Tuesday. Seniors Cassie Reilly-Boccia and Amanda Locke, junior Kayla Braud and sophomore Jackie Traina nabbed the preseason recognition.
Alabama and Tennessee led all schools with four selections, followed by Florida with three. Auburn and Kentucky had one selection each. Braud, Tennessee's Raven Chavanne, and Florida's Brittany Schutte are making their second consecutive appearance to the team.
Braud and Traina are coming off of an All-American season. Braud once again set the table for the potent Crimson Tide offense atop the lineup by leading the team with a .436 average, 71 runs, 89 hits and an SEC-leading 58 stolen bases.
Traina proved to be one of the top dual threats in the country as she hit .351 with 13 home runs and 45 RBI. In the circle the rookie posted a 19-5 record with a 1.70 ERA. The right-hander struck out 190 in 156 1/3 innings pitched.
Locke proved to be one of the top players for the Tide during the SEC season, powering her way to second team honors. In 2011, Locke hit .307 with 10 home runs and 32 RBI despite only accumulating 114 at bats.
Reilly-Boccia enters her senior campaign on the heels of a junior season that saw the New York native hit .307 with 10 home runs and 44 RBI. Reilly-Boccia scored 31 runs and smacked eight doubles. She also only made four errors in 206 chances.
The Coaches' Preseason All-SEC Team consists of a minimum of 12 players. Each SEC head softball coach voted for four infielders, four outfielders, two pitchers, one catcher and one utility/DP player. No ties were broken.
