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Cross named POY; Dalton earns ROY; Coach Steele garners COY
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Salem, VA -- In a season that saw several team and individual school records broken, the Randolph College Softball team added to its success by sweeping every major ODAC award as announced by the conference office Friday afternoon. Junior Lindsay Cross was named ODAC Player of the Year, first-year pitcher Teresa Dalton was selected ODAC Rookie of the Year, and WildCats mentor Jen Steele took home ODAC Coach of the Year honors. Junior infielder Nikki Smith was also recognized garnering a spot on the All-ODAC Honorable Mention squad.
Cross enjoyed one of the finest offensive seasons in Randolph history. She led the ODAC in batting with a .491 average (52-106) while also topping the league in on-base percentage (.538) and slugging percentage (.764). Of her 52 hits (second in the ODAC), 18 went for extra bases with 11 doubles, one triple and five home runs to go with 35 runs batted in. Against ODAC competition, she batted a league-best .519 (27-52), tying for first in the ODAC with 27 hits. She hit two of her homers in conference action while also collecting seven doubles. The Asheboro, NC native rewrote most of Randolph's offensive record book, breaking previous marks for hits, doubles, homeruns, and batting average.
"Lindsay had a tremendous year, providing the extra base power that we needed in order to manufacture runs", said Steele. "She shattered numerous school records this season that will be tough to beat in years to come. As the most feared hitter in the ODAC, she led the conference in numerous categories and her offensive statistics were among the best in the country", stated Steele.
Dalton was equally as impressive in her first year in the circle for Randolph. From the rubber, Dalton compiled a 14-12 overall record with a 2.76 earned run average. The Gretna, VA native threw 177.2 innings, second most in the conference. In ODAC play, she appeared in all 18 games and registered an 8-8 record with a 2.81 ERA in a conference-high 112 innings of work. With the bat, Dalton boasted a .377 (20-53) average against ODAC competition including a walk-off three-run home run against Roanoke College.
"Teresa had the most decorated first-year campaign in program history", stated Steele. "Her poise on the mound was noticeable and she played well beyond her years. She also provided a consistent stick in the middle of our lineup, proving that she is a complete player well deserving of the Rookie of the Year award", said Steele.
Smith was very steady all season both at the plate and in the field. She batted .316 (30-95) good for third on the team. Her seven doubles and four home runs were both second on the team providing power in the middle of the lineup. Smith's transition to third base was key in Randolph's defensive success providing a steady glove at the hot corner. The junior from Harrisburg, PA currently holds the school's career home run record at 12.
"Nikki transitioned to a new position this season and timelessly worked to be one of our most consistent infielder", commented Steele. "Her work rate is unmatched and her competitive drive has been a staple in our team success".
Steele led the WildCats to their best season in school history in just her second season at the helm, as Randolph compiled a 19-15 overall record, securing the program's first winning season and most victorie
CONTACT: Vince Scalzo, Sports Information Director
