May 5, 2009

Frisco, Texas -

2009 All-Conference Softball Teams

With the Southland Conference Tournament just a few days away, five players on the UT Arlington squad earned All-Southland Conference honors the league announced Tuesday.

Juniors Samantha Chumchal and Heather Fortenberry were named to the first team while Fortenberry also earned the recognition of Utility Player of the Year. Sophomore Rebecca Collom was selected to the third team and newcomer Erica LeFlore and Cara Hulme were named to the honorable mention team.

Catcher-Chumchal is a two-time All-SLC selection. The junior leads the team in home runs with eight and in batting with a .333 average. In the month of April, Chumchal recorded a .444 batting average, connecting on 12 hits including one double, four home runs and driving in six RBI. Chumchal connected on a pair of home runs in the Sam Houston State series, and solo homers against McNeese State and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

Pitcher/outfielder-Fortenberry earns her first All-SLC First Team selection. Fortenberry has split time on the mound and in the outfield for the Mavericks this season. She leads the team in hits (44), RBI (20) and ranks second in batting with a .317 average.

Collom leads the team in doubles (10), runs scored (18) and ranks second in RBI (19) and total bases (61). She is currently batting a .271 and has connected on five home runs.

Freshman LeFlore and junior Hulme earned honorable mention honors. In 22 appearances as the Mavs catcher and as a designated hitter, LeFlore has committed one error and has recorded a .234 batting average, connecting on 15 hits and driving in eight RBI.

Hulme has been the Mavericks number-one ace on the mound, posting a 13-13 mark with a 2.97 ERA, four shutouts and fanning 140. Hulme's talents have just not been restricted to pitching as she leads the Mavericks with eight home runs and 20 RBI.

The Mavericks travel to Lake Charles, La. for the start of the Southland Conference Tournament where No. 5 UT Arlington will face No. 4 Stephen F. Austin on Thursday, May 7 at 11 a.m. at the Cowgirls Field.