NFCA Release

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) released the 2013 NCAA Division III All-American Awards Thursday evening at the NCAA Division III Championship Banquet in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 45 players were recognized for their on-field achievements, including Bethel short stop Angie Jackson. Jackson becomes the first Royal softball player to ever receive All-American honors and was one of just two MIAC players selected to an All-American Team.
 
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).
 
The short stop from Oakdale, Minn., was a big proponent for the Royals who finished their best season in program history. At the conclusion of 2013, Bethel was crowned regular season runner up and finished second place in the conference playoffs. Bethel will graduate three seniors from this year's squad, including Rachel Gilbert, Jess Newstrom, and Megan Matson—all three All-MIAC players—but will look to continue building momentum in the year ahead with eight players that saw considerable starting time.