B. U. Softball Recognizes 2002 Team Award Winners
September 26, 2003 | Softball
BOSTON - The Boston University softball program recognized its standout players at its end-of-season banquet on Sept. 22 as part of its Alumni Weekend. Sophomore Julie Henneke (Odessa, Fla. / Sickles) was named the Terriers' Most Valuable Player and Best Offensive Player for leading the Terriers to their second straight America East Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.
The team Most Valuable Player 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. In addition to Henneke's awards, freshman first baseman Liz Alley (Aurora, Colo. / Eaglecrest) earned the team's Best Defensive Player Award. Not much got by the 6-foot-1 Alley, who recorded 293 putouts and nine assists while committing only one error, resulting in a .997 fielding percentage.
The Most Improved Player Award went to freshman Erin McDonald (Macon, Ill. / Mt. Zion). After starting the season 0-7 in the circle, the pitcher/outfielder found her groove by winning her last 12 decisions to garner America East All-Conference Second Team honors. Offensively, she was second on the team in batting (.322), RBI (22), slugging percentage (.441), and home runs (3). At the NCAA Regional Tournament in Fullerton, Calif., she became the first ever Terrier to earn a spot on an NCAA All-Regional Tournament Team.
Freshman utility player Emily Varga (Clinton, Conn. / The Morgan School) was an easy choice as the Terriers' Spirit Award winner. Varga was "discovered" while running around the track during a fall softball practice. The players and coaches noticed her speed, and soon invited her to become the Terriers' newest secret base-running weapon.
Henneke led B. U. in six offensive categories and started every game, earning America East All-Conference First Team accolades. At the plate, she had team highs with 27 RBI, 79 total bases, and a .449 slugging percentage. She finished the season with a 1.42 earned run average and 152 strikeouts. Her arm strength in center field was well known among opponents, who rarely tried advancing runners against her.
Also recognized were seniors Kate Abney (Denver, Colo. / George Washington), Tiffany Finateri (Las Vegas, Nev. / Silverado), Kristin Knesek (Humble, Texas / Humble), and Jen Widerberg (Atlanta, Ga. / St. Pius X). Under their leadership, the Terriers went 95-63 overall and 57-11 in conference play over their four years. They won three straight America East regular-season titles, two straight league tournament championships, and made two NCAA Tournament appearances.
In 2004, B. U. plays one of its toughest schedules to date. The Terriers begin the season by playing in five tournaments against some of the top teams in the country. The team will play in tournaments hosted by New Mexico State, Texas A & M, and Arizona, as well as competing in the prestigious Speedline Invitational and the University of South Florida-adidas Spring Break Tournament.
