LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Softball) – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) announced the 2023 NFCA National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I & II All-American honorees on Friday afternoon. The NFCA recognized 36 student-athletes from 17 programs across the country.
The Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) softball team had one student-athlete recognized. Freshman Molly Bender was named to the 2023 NFCA NJCAA Division II All-American Second Team, At-Large.
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 and finished the year 13th in the nation for 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 highly of Bender and her accomplishments, "It is always meaningful to say you were the 'first' to do something. From there, you have created a blueprint, a path for others to follow behind you.
"This year, the team had a lot of firsts. Adding Molly as our first-ever NFCA All-American, is fantastic.
She put in the work years before coming to Lake-Sumter to earn an accolade such as this. I give her all the credit," said Coach Miller.
Bender is the only representative in Division II from Region 8 to make the list this season. Additionally, she is the program's first-ever NFCA NJCAA All-American.
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