TIFFIN, OHIO - The Heidelberg University softball team, under the guidance of fourth-year head coach Betsy Hada, continued to add to its successful resume today with the announcement of the 2012 Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference Team. The Berg had four honorees, which ties for the most in a season in program history, joining the 1998 & 2011 teams.
Senior Bess Artino (Bellevue, Ohio / Bellevue), Juniors Ali Sayre (Sylvania, Ohio / Northview) and Bridget Moran (Lakewood, Ohio / Lakewood) led the way with a spots on the first team. Sophomore Jami Wagner (Alvada, Ohio / New Riegel) joined the trio as an honorable mention selection.
The Academic All-OAC Team is voted on by the league’s 10 faculty athletic administrators. To be eligible you must be at least a sophomore and in your second year of eligibility at the institution, a starter or key reserve and must have a 3.25 cumulative GPA.
Artino is earning her third postseason honor for the year. The biology and religion major was also named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Central Region Second Team and the OAC First Team. Artino also finished the season ranked #1 in the country averaging 1.59 runs batted in per game.
The 2012 season marked the third year at second base for Moran. While at the Berg she is studying sport management and fitness. This academic honor marks her second postseason honor of the year, joining her spot on the OAC Second Team.
Rounding out the Heidelberg first team representatives is pitcher Ali Sayre. Sayre, a political science and legal studies major, has an impressive 4.0 grade point average. On the year, Sayre was first on the team with a 2.70 ERA. She will be representing Heidelberg in 2013 as the Secretary General of the Model United Nations of the Far West Conference in San Francisco.
In just her sophomore season, Wagner has quickly made a name for herself in centerfield. Her league academic honor joins her nod on the All-OAC Honorable Mention Team. Wagner is studying elementary education and to be an intervention specialist.