Release

ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Being named the 2013 MIAC Most Valuable Player wasn't enough for Bethel softball player Angie Jackson, as she was recently announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) as a Midwest Region First Team honoree.
 
The Royals short stop was one of two student athletes at that position selected to the 15-member squad. The Oakdale, Minn., native finished the season No. 1 among conference opponents in hits (68), runs (59), doubles (16), and slugging percentage (.789), while finishing No. 2 in on-base percentage (.522) and total bases (112), No. 3 in home runs (8), and fifth in RBI (39) and triples (2).
 
Jackson's success reached more than the local level, as she ranked among the Top 50 players nationwide in four different categories. Most notably, Jackson's 59 runs in 40 games played ranked third in runs scored per game (1.48). Furthermore, Jackson ranked No. 27 in batting average (.479), No. 33 in doubles per game (.40), and No. 39 in slugging percentage (.789).
 
As a member of the All-Region First Team, Jackson will be nominated to the NFCA All-American squad—something Bethel softball has never had. But the Royals are optimistic for another first, as the team's runner-up finish in regular and postseason play was the highest in team history.