Ormond and LeBaron make All-American Team
HERKIMER, NY – The Herkimer Generals softball team added more accolades Thursday (5/28) to their 2015 campaign with Brittany Ormond and Elyssa LeBaron both named All-Americans, helping the team to a second straight second place finish at the national tournament in Rochester, MN.
Ormond, selected as a pitcher, was a first teamer. The sophomore was eighth in the nation in shutouts (3) and fifth in earned run average (2.09), saving some of her best performances for the regional and national tournament. The righty threw a three hit shutout against Monroe, spanning seven innings for her eighth win of the season which helped the Generals to their fourth consecutive Region III Championship. That wasn't it however, as Ormond built on that momentum at nationals, only allowing five earned run in three starts, totaling 19 2/3 innings pitched with seven strike outs and a 2-1 record.
As for LeBaron, the freshman was selected to the second team as an infielder. She was 25th in the nation in runs scored (51), 16th in home runs (6) and 26th in RBI (45). She had a five-game streak from regionals to nationals where she hit .667 (10-for-15) with seven runs scored, three doubles, one walk, three stolen bases and one run batted in. Her best game of the season came against Mohawk Valley, going perfect at the plate (5-for-5) with a season-high two home runs and five RBI in a five inning ball game.
"Both of these young ladies are very deserving of this accolade," said Head Softball Coach P.J. Anadio. "Brittany has been an amazing two-way player for us all year doing it in the circle, at the plate and on the field. The growth of this young lady throughout her two years as an athlete and a person has been amazing and I am so proud that she was recognized by the NJCAA. Elyssa put together one of the best all-around seasons in school history playing impeccable defense while having a unique blend of power at the plate and speed on the bases. Her journey has been a long one just to get back on a field and enrolled in at a college after battling significant injuries, so this is very gratifying for her, her family and for myself!"
-Giorgio Varlaro