SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Nichols College freshmen
Alexis Ferris (Holyoke, Mass.) and
Jessica Kuelling (Gales Ferry, Conn.) have been named to the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Softball First and Third Team, respectively.
Ferris closed the regular season tops in earned run average (ERA) in the conference at 1.67 and second in both strikeouts (137) and wins (13). She broke the Nichols single-season strikeout mark earlier this week against Gordon and posted five double-digit strikeout games this season, fanning 12 on three occasions: Rivier (March 10), Curry (March 30), and Wentworth (April 27). Ferris allowed two earned runs or fewer in 16 of her 20 starts and did not allow an earned run on nine occasions.
"I am so proud of Alexis for this accomplishment," said Nichols head coach
Heather Korzec. "She has a work ethic that is second-to-none and a composure in the circle like no one I have ever seen. She raises the level of play for our entire team and it's exciting to know she will be a Bison for the next three years."
Kuelling leads the Bison with 21 RBI and is second in batting average (.373), slugging (.537), and on-base pct. (.440). She is tied for seventh in the CCC in doubles with eight while her 21 RBI earns her a share of ninth. Kuelling posted six multi-hit games – including three-hit, three-RBI outings against Eastern Nazarene (April 14) and Gordon (April 24). She has also scored 10 runs and has a .986 fielding pct. at first base, making just two errors all season.
"Jess was recruited based mostly on character, and her character is evident with her receiving this honor," explained Korzec. "She overcomes obstacles, makes no excuses, and works tirelessly to improve her game. She is a leader on and off the field. The first base category was extremely strong and I am so happy that she received the recognition she deserves."
Salve Regina took home three individual awards as Francesca Galeazzi (Player of the Year), Kelsey Boarman (Pitcher of the Year), and Jannelle Iaquinto (Coach of the Year) were all honored by the conference after finishing the regular season in first place. Aimee Kistner of Western New England was tabbed Rookie of the Year, Sydney Helmbrecht of UNE is the CCC Senior Scholar-Athlete, and Wentworth received the Team Sportsmanship Award.
The Bison (16-15, 8-10 CCC) host Curry in a CCC play-in game Friday at 3 p.m.
