May 7, 2007

STARKVILLE -- In her first year in a Millsaps softball uniform, freshman third baseman Jennifer McKinley of Frisco, Texas, has been named to the 2007 Louisville Slugger/NFCA First Team All-Atlantic Region after boasting a .417 batting average and ranking amongst the Top 10 in eight different offensive statistical categories in the SCAC.

A product of Frisco Centennial High School, McKinley was one of only two Majors (Tiffany Ladnier) to play and start in every game this season (38) while recording a team-leading 16 multi-hit games, a season-long 11 game hitting streak, nine multiple RBI games and only six strikeouts in 120 at-bats.

The first year infielder was tied for first in the league in doubles (13), ranked second in home runs (six) and total bases (81), was third in batting average (.417) and hits (50), fourth in slugging percentage (.675) and seventh in on-base percentage (.463) and RBIs (32).

“I wasn’t expecting to have this good of a year my first year,” McKinley said. “I wasn’t planning on being this successful
and eventually wanted to work my way up.”

Whereas head coach Roland Rodriguez stresses the concept of a team game, McKinley’s individual efforts have helped carry the Majors this season, garnering Week 5 Player of the Week honors in the SCAC, All-SCAC Tournament Team recognition and now First Team All-Atlantic Region accolades.

“I’m excited and didn’t even know what the award was at first,” McKinley joked. “Coach had to explain exactly what it was. I really wish, however, that as a team we would’ve been able to go deeper in the SCAC tournament, but having the same group back next year plus some newcomers, I think we’ll be a lot better.”

The SCAC landed 10 softball players on the 2007 Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-Region Team, including six players that earned First Team status. DePauw University had half of the league's selections, including four players named First Team All-Central Region.

2007 Lousiville Slugger/NFCA All-Region Teams