Austintown, Ohio – May 25, 2011 – The Heidelberg University softball team, under the guidance of third-year head coach Betsy Hada, continued to add to its successful resume today with the announcement of the 2011 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 team.
Junior Dana Thoms (Amherst, Ohio / Firelands) led the way with a spot on the first team, while junior Megan Reinhart (Tiffin, Ohio / Hopewell Loudon), junior Bessie Artino (Bellevue, Ohio / Bellevue) and sophomore Bridget Moran (Lakewood, Ohio / Lakewood) were honorable mention selections. All four are earning their fist academic honors from the OAC.
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 maintain a minimum grade point average.
Thoms’ league honor joins her selection to the Capital One Academic All-District Third Team. While at Heidelberg Thoms is studying early childhood education and recently completed her third season on the mound.
Artino is earning her fourth postseason honor for the year. The biology and religion major was also named to the Capital One Academic All-District IV Third Team, as well as the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Central Region Second Team and the OAC Second Team. Artino completed her second year as the starting first baseman for the Berg.
The 2011 season marked the third year behind the plate for Reinhart. While at the Berg she is studying accounting and Spanish. This academic honor marks her second postseason honor of her career, joining her spot on the All-OAC Honorable Mention Team last year.
In just her sophomore season, Moran has quickly made a name for herself at second base. Her league academic honor joins her nod on the All-OAC Honorable Mention Team. Moran is studying sports management and nutrition.
Heidelberg concluded the year at 24-14, which set a new single season win record at the Berg. It is the second straight season the Berg has eclipsed the 20-win plateau.