U of R Softball Standout AJ Carrasco Recognized as Semifinalist for NFCA/Schutt Sports Division III National Player of the Year

U of R Softball Standout AJ Carrasco Recognized as Semifinalist for NFCA/Schutt Sports Division III National Player of the Year
Posted: Apr 29, 2016

It was recently announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) that University of Redlands senior outfielder AJ Carrasco (Whittier, CA) has been named as one of 25 semifinalists for the inaugural NFCA/Schutt Sports Division III National Player of the Year.

The field of nominees has been trimmed down to 25 after a 50-player pool was compiled earlier this season. Thirteen of the original nominees have moved on to the semifinal round, with the addition of 12 new players that are now being considered.

In two weeks, the field will be narrowed to 10, and, after that, three finalists will be chosen. One player will be selected as the winner at the conclusion of the 2016 season.

While leading the Bulldogs to a 25-11 overall record thus far, Carrasco has become the most feared hitter in in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) and perhaps the entire nation. As the Bulldogs' leadoff hitter, she has earned a whopping batting average of .535, which is 96 points higher than the second-ranked player in the conference. Furthermore, Carrasco is recognized nationally for her monster batting average by ranking seventh in NCAA Division III.

Along with a conference-pacing, on-base percentage of .600, she has driven in 32 RBI to rank fifth in the SCIAC. When on base, which is more than half the time, Carrasco consistently acts as a base-stealing threat by swiping a conference-best 23 bags on the year. She has been tagged out only once this season. Furthermore, she has crossed home a league-leading total of 42 times.

Throughout the season, Carrasco has notched 17 multi-hit games and currently holds a seven-game hitting streak. She has crossed home at least once in 26 games, including in the last seven contests.

Additionally, Carrasco is leading the conference in slugging percentage (.879), hits (53), and triples (7). Nationally, she ranks 13th as toughest to strike out, 15th in triples per game, and 17th in slugging percentage.

To view the entire list of NFCA Division III Player of the Year nominees, please visit nfca.org.