May 13, 2008

Greeley, CO- The Division I All-Independent teams and yearly award winners were announced today for softball and the University of Northern Colorado had three players honored.

Sophomore Jessie Schoepflin and junior Hillarie Van Otterloo were both named to the Division I All-Independent First Team. Van Otterloo led the Bears with dual duties, pitching and playing in the outfield. She ranked fourth among independents in batting average (.353), third in slugging percentage (.594), and second in on-base percentage (.450). Van Otterloo also ranked in the top 10 among independents in earned run average, wins, and strikeouts for a pitcher.

Schoepflin was also honored on the first team as an outfielder. Schoepflin's speed was an integral part of the Bear's offense, which helped her set a single season school record for triples (8). Her eight triples also ranked first among independents and currently ranks eighth among all Division I players. Schoepflin also ranked fifth among independents with 17 steals, and found herself among the top 10 in batting average, slugging percentage, runs scored, and total bases. Her 59 hits during the year also gave her the single season school record for hits.

Senior Mackenzie Barrett was also honored, being named to the Division I All-Independent Second Team. This honor puts the final touch on an incredible career as a Bear. Barrett leaves the program as its career leader in RBI, games played, games started and total bases. At shortstop, Barrett finished sixth among independents in RBI (26) and home runs (5).

The Bears finished up the 2008 season with a record of 16-36, finishing strong in their last month, going 9-6 in April.