Tiger softball players huddle before a 2008 game.

Springfield, Ohio — The National Fastpitch Coaches Association recently honored Wittenberg's softball team for academic excellence, naming the Tigers an NFCA Academic All-American team.

The Tigers compiled a stellar 3.334 cumulative grade point average during the 2007-08 school year, good for 30th place on a list of 83 NCAA Division III squads that earned the honor. Teams must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher to be considered, with all 83 teams on the list boasting a 2.80 or better.

"This is a wonderful recognition to receive as it shows that our student-athletes are very successful in both the classroom and on the field," said Wittenberg Head Coach Becky Hall, who holds the school record for coaching victories with 212 since taking the reins prior to the 1999 season. "We are included on a list that is full of great academic schools that also pride themselves in producing well-balanced student-athletes."

The Tigers head into the 2009 season with high hopes, led by pitcher Rachael Hatcher, class of 2009 from West Carrollton, Ohio, a three-time All-North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) honoree. Two other all-conference award-winners - centerfielder Cameron Catalfu, class of 2010 from Loveland, Ohio, and first baseman Julie Ziegler, class of 2009 from Sandusky, Ohio - also return from a 2008 squad that posted records of 23-13 overall and 7-7 in the NCAC.

The season starts with a trip to Kissimmee, Fla., between March 5-15, 2009. The Tigers return to Ohio for their home opener on March 21 against John Carroll.

Written By: Ryan Maurer
Photo By: Robert Gantt

054-08