LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Softball) – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) announced the 2023 NFCA National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I & II All-Region honorees on Monday afternoon. The NFCA recognized 160 student-athletes from 66 programs in the Association's three regions, East, Midwest and South.
The Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) softball team had one student-athlete recognized in the South Region. Freshman outfielder Molly Bender was named to the 2023 NFCA NJCAA Division II South Region Second Team.
Bender was a leader offensively for the Lakehawks for the entire 2023 season. She finished the season with a .453 batting average, .510 on base percentage, and a .765 slugging percentage.
In 57 games played, Bender had 81 hits, 11 doubles, three triples, and 13 homeruns with 44 RBIs and 69 runs scored. She added 20 walks and 44 stolen bases with just four strikeouts for the year.
She led the team in batting average, on base percentage, slugging percentage, hits, runs scored, and stolen bases. Additionally, she led the state in batting average and stolen bases.
One of Bender's highest performing games came at the District Championship against Louisburg College. She went 4-for-4 with two homeruns and three RBIs which eventually led to the 4-2 win over the Hurricanes to force game three of the series.
Earlier in the season, Bender used the power of her bat to secure another huge win for the Lakehawks. In an extra inning Sun-Lakes Conference matchup with Pasco-Hernando, she blasted a solo homerun to centerfield to score the go-ahead run, and the game-winner, in the top of the eighth inning.
Head Coach Jay Miller spoke on Bender's accomplishment, "I think it is a big compliment to be voted to the all-region list by coaches who have never seen you play. Molly went up against players from all over the South Region this season, which is riddled with top-20 programs.
"Her numbers speak for themselves. I am excited to see her move forward in the all-America voting process," said Coach Miller.
Bender is the only representative in Division II from Region 8 to make the NFCA All-Region list this season. Additionally, she is the first Lakehawk to make the list since Bri Bennett in 2016.
Bender is now eligible for the 2023 NFCA NJCAA Division All-America squad. The official announcement will on Friday, June 2.
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