Seven softball Swedes earn 2013 KCAC honors

Seven members of the Bethany College softball team have earned Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference honors for the 2013 season.

	Nicole Felker, a senior shortstop from Loveland, Colo., earned second-team All-KCAC honors. Felker batted .400 on the year with 54 hits, two doubles, 16 runs batted in and 29 runs scored. She had a slugging percentage of .415 and was 21 for 25 in stolen bases. She is ranked no. 24 in the NAIA in steal attempts per game (.676). In her four-year career at Bethany, she had a .364 batting average.
	Jennifer Garcia, a senior pitcher from Harlingen, Texas, earned first-team All-KCAC honors. In 21 games pitched, Garcia had an ERA of 2.31. She chalked up 13 wins and six losses. Garcia lead the KCAC in strikeouts (127) and opponent batting average (0.188), ranking her no. 24 in the NAIA. In her two-year career with Bethany, she pitched 295 innings. Garcia had a 2.18 ERA with an astounding 359 strikeouts. She accumulated 33 wins and only 13 losses.
	Brittany Lewis, a senior catcher from Glendale, Ariz., earned first-team All-KCAC honors. Lewis batted .465 on the year with 66 hits, 13 doubles, 28 runs batted in and 29 runs scored. She had a slugging percentage of .556 and was six for eight in stolen bases. Lewis lead the conference in hits (66). She is ranked no. 16 in the NAIA in hits per game (1.571). In her four-year career at Bethany, she had .372 batting average.

"It is great to have three of our seniors earn honors. Lewis and Felker have been impact players in our program for four years," says Head Softball Coach Janice Esses. "Their recruiting class has raised the standards of our program. Jenny Garcia has also been a huge factor in the success of our program. She is a batter's nightmare in the circle as she again leads the conference in strikeouts."

Kelli Traffas, a junior third baseman from Medicine Lodge, Kan., earned first-team All-KCAC honors. Traffas batted .362 on the year with 46 hits, 12 doubles, two triples, nine home runs, 38 runs batted in and 40 runs scored. She had a slugging percentage of .701 and was nine for ten in stolen bases.

"Kelli has had a good year at the plate and defensively," says Esses. "She does a great job reading the batters and charging the ball on bunts. Her quick release on her throws has allowed her to make plays on lead runners which has lead to several double plays."

Camille McIver, a sophomore pitcher from Desert Hills, Ariz., earned first-team All-KCAC honors. At the plate, McIver batted .374 with 46 hits, five doubles, two triples, two home runs, 25 runs batted in and 28 runs scored. She had a slugging percentage of .496 and was three for three in stolen bases. On the mound, McIver had an ERA of 3.16 with eight wins and three losses.

"Camille has contributed this season with strong defensive play in the outfield and has also stepped up and earned a starting position in the circle," says Esses. "She has also been a consistent hitter in the heart of our lineup."

	Jordan Blakesley, a freshman designated player from Chandler, Ariz., earned honorable mention All-KCAC honors. Blakesley batted .374 on the year with 36 hits, eight doubles, one triple, four home runs, 26 runs batted in and 17 runs scored. She had a slugging percentage of .598 and was two for two in stolen bases.
	Ashley Montoya, a freshman utility player from Bay City, Texas, earned second-team All-KCAC honors. Montoya batted .301 on the year with 25 hits, seven doubles, six home runs, 28 runs batted in and 23 runs scored. She had a slugging percentage of .602 and was five for seven in stolen bases. Montoya batted .353 in conference play.

"I am really proud of the accomplishments of two of our freshmen, Ashley Montoya and Jordan Blakesley," adds Esses. "They have both worked hard and made huge strides to break into the starting lineup. They have both gained great experience this season."

The softball team ended their 2013 regular season with a 28-14 overall record and 14-4 in the KCAC.

Esses adds, "I am excited and proud of our players that received All-KCAC honors. These individuals have worked hard and are deserving of this recognition."

View the complete list of KCAC softball recipients here.