B. U. Softball Recognizes 2001 Team Award Winners
September 30, 2002 | Softball
BOSTON - The Boston University softball program recognized its standout players at its end-of-season banquet on Sept. 21. Shortstop Jamie Haas (Houston, Texas) and pitcher/utility player Robyn Horrick (Irvine, Calif.) were named co-Most Valuable Players for their contributions towards the Terriers' successful season in 2001.
The team Most Valuable Players and spirit awards were voted on by the team and coaching staff. The coaching staff voted for the Most Improved Player award, as well as the Offensive and Defensive MVPs.
Last year, Haas became the first freshman to be awarded the America East Player of the Year award, after leading the league in batting (.404), hits (65), and triples (seven). She was also named to the All-Conference First Team, All-Rookie Team, and All-Championship team.
Horrick, a junior last season, was named the conference's Pitcher of the Year, as the Terriers became the first team to sweep the America East's three major awards. Center fielder/pitcher Julie Henneke (Odessa, Fla.) was honored as the Rookie of the Year, as well. Horrick led the league with a 0.93 ERA and had a 13-7 record. She was second in strikeouts with 173, and led the league in batting average allowed at .166. Horrick was also named to the All-Conference First Team and All-Championship Team.
Third baseman Kate Abney (Denver, Colo.) earned the team's Most Improved Award. Abney was an anchor at third base last year, seeing the first consistent game action of her career. In addition to her leadership abilities, she performed well defensively with a .930 fielding percentage at arguably to toughest position on the field.
Abney also earned the team's Spirit Award, which is presented to the student-athlete who best represents both the spirit of competition and sportsmanship. The award, which was voted on by her teammates, goes to the player who keeps the game in perspective by displaying a tireless work ethic and a positive attitude.
Henneke earned the team's Defensive Most Valuable Player award. Playing center field, Henneke proved to be a defensive weapon in the outfield. She demonstrated her excellent arm on a number of occasions. In the Terriers' NCAA Tournament game against Arizona, she prevented a Wildcats' runner from scoring with a one-hopper to the plate from the warning track. She was invited to USA Softball's National Women's Camp from Sept. 26-29.
The Terriers' Offensive MVP was also one of the team MVPs. Haas had one of the most prolific freshman seasons in B. U. history, posting the third-highest season batting average as well as the third-best stolen bases total in a season. In addition to her speed, her .534 slugging percentage last year ranks her in the top 10 in that category. She already ranked ninth in career triples.
Also recognized were seniors Aryn Rangel (Greeley, Colo.) and Janine Valente (Cotuit, Mass.). The only two seniors on the team, the duo was a part of Terrier squads that posted a 60-5 home record over the past four years. Rangel ranks second all-time in home runs with 14.
Finally, the Terriers recognized boosters Jim and Patty Herdlicka for their contributions to the program during the 2001-02 season.
Last season, the Terriers (28-23) won their second straight America East regular season championship and fifth conference title, and made their third trip to the NCAA Tournament.
