After already being recognized as All-Big Ten performers, Ohio State softball sophomores Mariah Rodriguez and Sam Hackenbracht have been named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Midwest All-Region second team.
NFCA member head coaches from each respective region voted on the teams and all student-athletes now become eligible for the 2021 NFCA Division I All-America squads that will be determined at a later date. It has been an impressive run for the Ohio State softball program. Under head coach Kelly Kovach Schoenly (2013-present), the Buckeyes have produced 25 All-Region honors and have had at least one All-Region member nine straight years.
Rodriguez finished the season as the team’s leader in batting average at .357, also fifth-best in the Big Ten. She was also an adept fielder at second base. Hackenbracht led the team in home runs (12) and slugging percentage (.727), good for second in the conference.
A big 👏 for our two @NFCAorg second team All-Midwest Region selections:
▪️ @mariahyvonnee
▪️ @sam_hack24🔗: https://t.co/049BFuepnw#GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/Jc2GP58LSc
— Ohio State Softball (@OhioStateSB) May 20, 2021
Ohio State had a bit of a disappointing season in 2021, finishing the year with a record of 24-19 in a conference-only schedule. It beat every team on its schedule at least once, but there weren’t enough winning streaks put together to get into the postseason. With Rodriguez and Hackenbracht set to return next season, there is something to build upon.
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