Monday, June 6, 2005

WILLIS NAMED NAIA SOFTBALL ALL-AMERICAN

Dahlonega, Ga. – Senior Beth Willis was named to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-American second team for softball this past week.

Willis, a starting pitcher from Williamson, Ga., helped lead North Georgia College & State University to one of their most successful seasons in program history as they finished with a record of 45-18 and advanced to the NAIA National Softball Championship and finished 4-3 in the tournament.

Willis finished her final season at North Georgia with a 1.56 ERA, 30-9 record, and 302 strikeouts. She led the conference in strikeouts, wins, and innings pitched and was a three time Player of the Week for the Southern States Athletic Conference. Willis pitched 19 shutout games and three no-hitters this season.

At the NAIA National Tournament, Willis was one of the top performers during the tournament and earned a spot on the NAIA National All-Tournament team. She was ninth in the tournament in ERA (2.22), as well as third in innings pitched (41.0) and strikeouts (30) during the tournament.

In addition to being named to the All-American team, Willis was also selected to the first team All-Region, SSAC co-Pitcher of the Year for the second year in a row as well as first team All-Conference.