GLASSBORO — The Rowan University softball team had five players that were selected to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) East All-Region Teams.
Pitcher Jackie Sasko (sr. Groveville/Steinert) and catcher Steph Taraschi (jr. Mt. Ephraim/Audubon) were named to the All-Region first team. Nicki Veneziano (fr. Bloomfield/Bloomfield) was chosen to the second team at first base while third baseman Julie Leskanic (fr. West Milford/West Milford) was tabbed an at-large. Second baseman Jenna DiDonato (jr. Hamilton/Steinert) was an at-large on the All-Region third team.
In 24 starts this season, Sasko has compiled a 19-5 record and a 1.09 earned run average. She has recorded 12 shutouts and struck out 167 batters. Her opponents have a .152 batting average. Sasko was named the 2009 New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Pitcher of the Year and to the All-Conference first team. During the season, she was selected the NFCA Division III National Player of the Week one time and the NJAC Pitcher of the Week twice. Last year, Sasko was picked for the NFCA All-Region first team as an at-large selection.
Taraschi leads the Profs with a .345 batting average. She has 39 hits in 113 at bats with 23 RBIs and 23 runs scored. In addition, Taraschi has a .549 slugging percentage. Her extra base hits include nine doubles, one triple and four home runs. She was chosen to the NJAC All-Conference first team.
Veneziano is hitting .322 with 39 hits in 121 at bats. She leads the team in runs scored (33), walks (22) and stolen bases (14). Veneziano has contributed with 13 RBIs, three doubles, two triples and one home run. She was selected the conference’s Rookie of the Year and was the NJAC Rookie of the Week twice.
Leskanic has a .315 batting average, 40 hits (127 at bats) and 24 runs scored. Her 25 RBIs are first on the team. She has totaled four doubles, four triples and two home runs. DiDonato is hitting .299. She has registered 38 hits in 127 at bats and scored 31 runs. DiDonato has added 23 RBIs, eight doubles, one triple and four home runs. Leskanic and DiDonato were both members of the NJAC All-Conference second team.
The Profs (32-10) received an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. Rowan, the third seed, faces the sixth seed Farmingdale State on Thursday, May 7 at 2 p.m. The first round will be held Thursday-Monday, May 7-11 at Ramapo College in Mahwah.
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