Stapleford, Souza Named All-NFCA

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Cecil softball had two players named to the National FastPitch Coaches Association NJCAA Division 2 All-Region East Team, as announced by the organization on Monday afternoon. Freshman Taylor Stapleford was a First Team selection, while fellow frosh Taja Souza was a Second Team honoree.

Stapleford earned 17 wins from the circle in 22 appearances (21 starts). The Rising Sun, Md. native tossed 225 strikeouts, the most in Region 20 and third-most among all NJCAA Division 2 programs. She tossed 12 complete games, including two no-hit performances. The right-handed pitcher threw a combined no-hitter with Taja Souza in win over Bloomfield. Stapleford dealt at least 10 strikeouts on 12 occasions and had three additional games with nine.

At the plate, Stapleford hit .333 with 17 walks and three doubles. She posted the second best on-base percentage (.488) on the team

Souza featured as a center fielder and at pitcher for Cecil. Souza served as the Seahawks' leadoff hitter, batting .381 with a team-high 11 doubles. The freshman proved to be a menace on the base paths, going a perfect 17-for-17 in stolen base opportunities. Souza led Cecil with 44 runs scored as a result.

From the circle, Souza grabbed six wins in 10 starts. She combined for a no-hitter with Taylor Stapleford in a victory against Bloomfield, and earned Cecil's only save of the season in a win over Potomac State.

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