Fastpitch Makes Strides During Challenging Fall Ball Season

November 16, 2011

November 16, 2011 Contact: Scott Jamison 352-395-5616 scott.jamison@sfcollege.edu

SF FASTPITCH

SAINTS MAKE STRIDES DURING CHALLENGING FALL BALL SEASON

Gainesville, FL – The Santa Fe Saints wrapped up their fall season on Saturday, November 12, with two wins, shutting out the Central Florida Ladyhawks in both contests.

SF played a very challenging schedule and finished the fall 12-7, with all seven losses coming at the hands of NCAA Division I opponents on the road.

"We really played a tough schedule this fall, including doubleheaders against University of North Florida, University of South Florida, Florida State University and University of Florida. I'm pretty sure we have seen some of the top pitching talent in Florida this fall, perhaps even in the country," said SF Coach Chris Ahern. "It was a great experience for the team, which has a lot of new faces this year, to be able to go out and try to hang with these excellent DI programs. Despite a few nerves initially, the athletes dug in and gave it their all, which is what you want a team to do, win or lose."

The Saints were undefeated at home, going 12-0, and outscoring their opponents by double digits nearly every game.

Leading the team in the fall was freshman Karla Claudio Rivera (pictured). She finished the scrimmage season with a batting average of .432. She was followed closely behind by sophomore Bianca Torres, and then nine other Saints in and around the .300 mark.

"Hopefully this fall will give us a baseline on which to build for the spring," Ahern said. "We are looking forward to spending some time not preparing for games, but still working toward getting stronger and coming back fresh in the spring."

Santa Fe opens the defense of their seven straight Mid-Florida Conference titles on the road at the annual JUCO Kick-Off Classic in Clearwater. They will play three games on January 28, 2012 with the opponents still to be determined.

The first home games for SF will take place on February 7 when Tallahassee Community College makes the visit to Gainesville for a double header at 2:00 PM.

For complete schedules and more information on Saints Fastpitch, please visit santafesaints.com. To see game photos and other updates, follow Santa Fe College Athletics on Facebook.

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