(Greenville, SC) The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) announced their All-American softball awards on Friday and three Cardinals were recognized. Lauren Reichel was named First Team All-American, while Shannon McAlinden and Abbie Begley were all named to the Second Team.

Reichel was among the NCCAA leaders in several statistical categories. Prior to the NCCAA World Series, Reichel led the team and was sixth in the NCCAA in innings pitched with 149 and was fourth in the NCCAA in total strikeouts with 156. The Cardinal ace allowed a batting average of .220 which was third in the NCCAA. In 23 starts she posted a record of 14-7 and threw 15 complete games with an ERA of 2.30. Reichel was named NCCAA Player of the Week three times this season. Reichel was also named to the All-Tournament Team as she gave up just 5 runs over 18.1 innings of work.

Prior to the World Series, McAlinden led the team in batting average with a .395 mark which also made her 26th in the NCCAA. The shortstop/centerfielder posted a team best .535 slugging percentage. McAlinden also led the team in RBIs with 33 which put her at 17th in the NCCAA. The freshman was named NCCAA player of the week on March 29th when in the four games, the freshman standout went 10-14, scored five runs, and recorded eight RBIs. Her batting average was .714 with a slugging percentage of 1.071 throughout that week.

Newcomer Abbie Begley became a dependable leadoff hitter for the Cardinals, playing in every game. Before heading down to South Carolina, Begley led the team in runs and hits with 34 and 66 respectively. Those marks put her at 18th in the NCCAA in runs and third in hits. Begley was also named to the All-Tournament Team as she went 7-16 at the World Series.

Three Cardinals were named to the NCCAA All-Academic Team for their success in the classroom. Megan Hinkle, Lauren Reichel, and Natalie Shawl were all recognized by the NCCAA.