Four Softball Players Earn Horizon League Honors

Posted: May 09, 2002

May 9, 2002

FAIRBORN - Led by four-time league honoree Tiffany Stocker, the Cleveland State softball team placed four players on the all-Horizon League teams, it was announced last night at Wright State University's Nutter Center Berry Room.

Stocker, a senior outfielder from Sherrodsville, Ohio, and sophomore shortstop Michelle Beightol from Akron, were selected first-team all-Horizon League. Senior first baseman Jackie Miller from Cuyahoga Falls and Spidell, a freshman pitcher from Strasburg, Ohio, were second-team picks. In addition, Spidell was named to the all-Newcomer Team.

Stocker earned first-team honors last season and in 1999 while making the second team in 2000. Miller also was a repeat honoree after being named first-team all-league last season.

The league leader in stolen bases, Stocker ranked sixth nationally last week in swipes with 33 for 0.79 per game. The lead-off hitter, who played in all 42 games this year, ranks among league leaders in hitting (8th, .331), hits (7th, 45), runs scored (4th, 0.81), triples (3rd, 3) and on-base percentage (9th, .389).

Beightol topped the Horizon League at the plate this year, hitting a league-best .391 in 42 contests. She leads the league in triples with six and ranks fifth nationally in three-baggers. In addition, Beightol is among league leaders in slugging percentage (3rd, .661), walks (6th, 0.43), stolen bases (3rd, 0.36), home runs (7th, 0.69), doubles (7th, 0.24), total bases (5th, 1.81) and RBI (7th, 0.57).

Miller, who is second among the Vikings and seventh in the league with a .349 average, also ranks in the league's top ten in slugging percentage (7th, .488), total bases (9th, .389) and hits (8th, 1.07).

The rookie, Spidell posted a 10-8 regular season mark and ranked 10th in the league with a 2.59 ERA. She ranks fourth in the league in appearances (26) and complete games (17). The righthander struck out 78 (6th in the league) in 143.1 innings (5th) of work with 41 walks. When not in the circle, Spidell saw action at second base.

The Vikings begin action in the 2002 Horizon League Softball Tournament on Thursday at noon against host Wright State at the University of Dayton's Stuart Field. The winner of the eight-team double-elimination tournament receives the Horizon League's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.