May 3, 2005

RICHARDSON, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' softball team swept the West Division awards, including Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year and Newcomer of the Year by sophomore Arin Spence. Sadye Hill was named freshman of the year and Rita Jordan earned league coach of the year honors.

Spence went 22-5 on the mound with 183 strikeouts in 157 innings of work. She also hit .339 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs and played left field, third base and shortstop when she was not pitching.

Hill was named co-freshman of the year after leading the conference with a ,472 average with eight home runs and 47 RBIs. Jordan earned league coaching honors after guiding the Cowgirls to the West Division title and a 32-9 record in the school's second season of softball.

Spence and Hill were joined by Nicole Cortez and Lydia Bradley on the All-ASC team and those four were also named first-team All-ASC West Division. Miranda Rousset and Katy Chester earned second-team All-ASC West honors and Jennifer Cooper, Emily Schlebach, Megan Murrey and Courtney Stewart were named honorable mention All-ASC West.

For the season, Hardin-Simmons has had 21 players or coaches be named either player, newcomer, freshman or coach of the year in their respective sports.