Oct. 9, 2009

BOSTON - On Saturday (Oct. 3), the Boston University softball team honored its historic 2009 campaign with a season-end banquet where head coach Shawn Rychcik handed out team awards and celebrated the Terriers' magical run through the America East Softball Championship and the NCAA Atlanta Regional, where it upset Iowa and Auburn en route to its first appearance in a regional final in 13 years.

Rychcik highlighted BU's success not only on the field but also in the classroom. Eleven student-athletes were named to the America East Honor Roll in 2009 and April Setterlund and Nora Militz ('09) maintained a 3.5 GPA or better to be placed on the AE Commissioner's Honor Roll. Christy Leath ('09) and Setterlund earned a spot on the America East All-Academic Team, which honors success both on the field and in the classroom.

Athletically, various different individuals were honored for their contributions during the 2009 season. Militz and Setterlund received their plaques for earning America East All-Conference First Team status, while Cassidi Hardy, Melissa Dubay ('09) and Shayne Lotito ('09) received their hardware for the AE All-Conference Second Team. Emily Roesch, who was named to the AE All-Rookie Team along with classmate Erica Casacci, picked up her Rookie of the Year trophy at the banquet as well.

During the 2009 America East Softball Championship, the Terriers began the weekend with a 4-3 come-from-behind victory over third-seeded Albany and breezed by regular-season champion Stony Brook with a 6-1 victory before claiming BU's seventh America East crown with a 7-1 win over Albany. At the end of the weekend, Hudson, Dubay, Militz and Hardy were named to the All-Tournament team and Hardy was crowded the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

After recognizing the conference honorees, Setterlund picked up her hardware for earning ECAC All-Star First Team accolades as well as Easton Third Team All-American. In addition, Setterlund, Lotito and Hardy were named to the NFCA Northeast Region team.

Towards the end of the evening, Rychcik handed out team awards. Rachel Hebert had earned the squad's highest fielding percentage (.996) with just two errors in 61 games to be named the team's Best Defensive Player. Hardy picked up the Lowest ERA award for earning a 1.58 ERA and holding opposing batters to a stingy .195 batting average to go along with team bests in strikeouts (190) and wins (27). Continuing along, Setterlund garnered an award for having the highest batting average on the team with her .396 BA.

The Strength and Conditioning Award rewards an individual for her efforts on a daily basis, coach ability, attitude, attentiveness and improvement made over the year. The 2009 recipient was Militz.

The Spirit Award is voted on by the team and goes to a player that shows the most team spirit throughout the year. Hudson, who received the honor this year, emerged as a leader in her junior campaign and as a senior hit one of the most crucial home runs in program history. Her two-run blast in the AE championship tied the game with Albany, which the team went on to win.

The Coaches Award annually goes to a player who the coaching staff feels contributed to the team dynamics in more ways than just on the field, and who provides leadership, hustle and commitment. Rychcik handed the award out to Lotito this year, who leaves BU as the all-time leader in stolen bases and runs.

The final award to be handed out was the team's Most Valuable Player. As voted on by the team itself, Setterlund picked up the award after batting above .400 for most of the season and finishing with a .396 BA.