By: KSU Sports Information
NFCA All Region Teams
STARKVILLE, Miss. - The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) announced the 2012 NFCA Division I All-Region teams with two Kennesaw State players being recognized. Jessica Cross and Sharon Swanson were amongst the athletes honored for the South Region, being named as Second Team Honorees.
"I am very happy for Jessica and Sharon,” head coach Scott Whitlock said. “Their seasons merited such recognition."
Named the Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year and a unanimous First Team Selection, Cross ended the season fourth in the league with a .383 batting average and tied for sixth with 10 home runs, while ranking fifth in slugging percentage (.628), third in RBI (41) and second in hits (69). Cross was also honored as an A-Sun All-Tournament Team member for her efforts in the 2012 A-Sun Conference Tournament Championship.
The senior has also played a pivotal role for the Owls in pitcher's circle this season, as she sports an 8-8 record with an earned run average of just 2.84 in 21 pitching appearances.
"Jessica Cross is on of the most unique talents that we have ever had at KSU,” Whitlock said. “This season, she started at three different positions and played each very well. Her offensive abilities speak for themselves. I am glad and grateful that the Region's coaches recognized her for the season and the career that she had."
Swanson earned her second NFCA South Regional Honors in 2012 as well as her second consecutive A-Sun First Team Honors. The Canton, Ga., native ended the season tied for third in the conference and tied for 35th nationally with 15 home runs, and is third on the squad and 11th in the A-Sun with a .333 batting average. She sits sixth in the A-Sun with 37 RBI, and fourth in total bases with 110.
"Sharon has matured into one of the region's most respected power hitters. Her season was no fluke, she deserves this honor."
The two decorated athletes helped lead the Owls to a share of the 2012 regular season A-Sun title and a trip to the A-Sun Conference Tournament Championship finals where the team fell to Florida Gulf Coast.
