May 8, 2008
PARK RIDGE, Ill. - Senior Ashley Esparza (San Pedro, Calif./San Pedro) of the Penn State University softball team was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team the conference office announced today (May 8). This is Esparza's fourth time on the All-Big Ten squad and third, Third Team selection. Senior Rebecca Bautista (Elk Grove, Calif./Elk Grove) received the Sportsmanship Award which is given to one player on each of the Big Ten schools.
Esparza had a great senior season as she finished second on the team in batting average with a .287 clip and first on the squad in ERA with a 1.54. She had a 15-14 record with 195.1 innigs pitched while striking out 199 opposing batters. She finished second on the team in RBIs and doubles with 31 and 12, respectively. She also led the team in homeruns with seven.
During the Big Ten season she led the team in batting average (.262), doubles (5), homeruns (2), ERA (2.16), wins (4) and strikeouts (49).
She was named the Third Team utility player due to both her impressive offensive and pitching numbers.
Bautista was honored with the Sportsmanship Award due to both her on and off the field activities. She is softball's representative to the Student Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) and one of the true leaders on the Penn State squad.
For a complete list of the All-Big Ten selections check out BigTen.com.