RELEASED:  Monday, May 19, 2008

Three Secure NFCA All-America Status

Madison, Wis.--Three Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) individuals have been named to the 2008 Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) NCAA Division III All-America Team.  UW-Eau Claire’s Casey Leisgang was a second team choice, while UW-River Falls’ Emily Howlett and UW-Whitewater’s Lauren Cruz were third team selections.

Leisgang, a senior baseman from Seymour, Wis., is first Blugold to claim All-America status since Mallory McKinney in 2006.  UW-Eau Claire has now had seven individuals combine to win 10 All-America plaques.

Howlett, a senior from third baseman from Eagan, Minn., is the first player in program history to secure All-America accolades.

A sophomore outfielder and native of Des Plaines, Ill. (Maine West H.S.), Cruz is the sixth individual in Warhawk chronicles to earn All-America recognition.

The NFCA recently announced the All-Great Lakes Region Team.   Individuals from the WIAC joining Leisgang, Howlett and Cruz on the first team included:  UW-Eau Claire’s Jenny Ross and Kristi Doucette, UW-Oshkosh’s Ronessa Stampfli, UW-Stevens Point’s Laura VanAbel and UW-Whitewater’s Amanda LeBeau.

Second team honorees consisted of:  UW-Eau Claire’s Jill Janke, UW-La Crosse’s Liz Bradley, UW-Oshkosh’s Dani Olsen, Amy Sullivan and Whitney Tornow, UW-Platteville’s Tera Burr, UW-Stevens Point’s Korryn Brooks and UW-Whitewater’s Amy Gahl.

Third team selections consisted of:   UW-Oshkosh’s Amie Heinzelman and UW-River Falls’ Ashley Bertrand, Keri Feller and Mindy Rudiger.

The All-Great Lakes Region Team included individuals representing the WIAC, College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin, Midwest Conference, Northern Athletics Conference and a handful of independent institutions.