2011 St. John Fisher Softball Team Recognized for Academics
The St. John Fisher College softball team has been honored by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association for its efforts in the classroom. Coach Len Maiorani’s Cardinals were ranked as the 22
nd All-Academic team in the country, out of 111 that were listed, with a 3.409 GPA. Only 24 teams finished last year with a 3.40 GPA or higher.
In the press release, the NFCA also named its All-America Scholar Athletes for the 2011 season. Fisher placed 10 athletes on the list, led by five sophomores. The only player the Cardinals lose from this all-star list is Kristin McCoy, who graduated after the 2011 season. With so many returning players, Fisher should have no problem being recognized next season as well, with the possibility of moving up the rankings.
Three juniors from last year, Kelly Jones, Carissa Carlson and Megan Zoerb, will be back to lead their team both statistically and academically. Alicia Vann was the only Cardinal to make the list as a freshman.
For the sophomore group there were three pitchers, Sarah Stefanon, Danielle Leone and Krista Robarge, all named as All-America Scholar Athletes. Rounding out the group of sophomores for Fisher was Sarah Fordyce and Shelby Marie.
The Cardinals finished the 2011 season 35-14-1; they won the Empire 8 Conference Championship and finished the season receiving votes in the national poll, just three points from finishing in the Top 25. More importantly they finished nationally ranked in the academic polls and are bound to repeat that same feat in 2012.