USF dominates All-Region Softball team

The University of South Florida softball team placed five members on the All-Region Teams the National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced Thursday.

The Bulls had four players named to the Mideast Region First Team, including freshmen pitcher Sara Nevins and first baseman Stephanie Medina along with two juniors; outfielder Gina Kafalas and Janine Richardson, who plays outfield and shortstop. Freshman OF Ashli Goff was named to the second team.

"This year’s squad played hard and were rewarded for that with a trip to the BIG EAST Tournament," Bulls head coach Ken Eriksen said. "It is now their responsibility to keep progressing to the next step. I think these recognitions show that we had great leadership from our junior class (Janine Richardson and Gina Kafalas) and exciting futures ahead for the freshmen (Stephanie Medina, Sara Nevins and Ashli Goff).”

USF players occupied four of the 11 first-team positions from the Mideast region, more than any other team from that region.

Nevins, who dominated as a freshman, was also named to the All-BIG EAST First Team after leading the team in strikeouts, wins, ERA, innings pitched, complete games and opponent batting average while also leading the nation with eight saves.

Medina, another major freshman contributor, led the team in average for a majority of the season and finished the year tops on the team with eight home runs and 50 RBI.

Kafalas led the team with a .359 batting average, 24 stolen bases and 61 runs scored earning her Third Team All-BIG EAST Honors as well.

Goff finished second on the team with a .349 average to go along with 21 stolen bases and 36 runs scored in her freshman campaign.

“These five players represented the University extremely well on and off the field this year, even in times of adversity. This class approach will serve them very well in the future. They were very humble in victories and very gracious in their non-successes this year. An extremely hard working group that has solidified the core of this team,” Eriksen said.