News Summary
Emilee Boyer from West Texas A&M University has made history by being the first player in Lone Star Conference history to win both Player and Pitcher of the Year awards in the same season. Boyer recorded 84 RBIs and ranked nationally in multiple offensive categories while showcasing her skills as a pitcher with impressive statistics. Her dual-threat capability has made her a standout this season, contributing to her team’s overall success. The Lady Buffs, finishing strong with a remarkable season record, continue to compete in postseason play.
Amarillo, Texas – Emilee Boyer of West Texas A&M University has made history by being the first player in Lone Star Conference (LSC) history to win both Player and Pitcher of the Year honors in the same season. This remarkable achievement highlights Boyer’s exceptional performance on the field, contributing significantly to her team’s success throughout the season.
In her standout year, Boyer achieved an impressive total of 84 RBIs, the highest recorded in any NCAA Division – encompassing Divisions I, II, and III. In addition to her remarkable RBIs, she ranked in the top ten in several offensive categories: second in home runs with 20, third in total bases with 144, and seventh in batting average at .479. Her prowess at the plate, coupled with her talents as a pitcher, solidified her place as one of the most formidable players in collegiate softball.
Boyer’s pitching statistics are equally impressive, ranking tied for fourth nationally with 24 wins, 11th for strikeouts, totaling 209, and sixth in the LSC for earned run average (ERA) at 1.98. Her dual-threat capability as both a top-tier hitter and pitcher secured her selection to the LSC First Team. She was joined by her teammate, catcher Lauren Granger, who also made significant contributions this season, leading all of Division II in total bases with 152. Another noteworthy acknowledgment came for teammate Heidi Vortherms, who received the title of Academic Player of the Year due to her academic achievements alongside athletic performance.
West Texas A&M concluded the regular season with a record of 50 wins, showcasing their strength entering postseason play. Recognizing the efforts of the coaching staff, the LSC honored Lady Buffs head coach Michael Mook as Coach of the Year for his leadership during the season. Other notable recognitions from the conference included Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds players Alondra Vasquez and Aylene Lucero earning First Team honors, as well as freshman players Cadence Colborn and Abby Howell from both West Texas A&M and Eastern New Mexico receiving accolades on the LSC Second Team and Freshman Team, respectively.
In championship play, the West Texas A&M Lady Buffs faced a tough challenge in the first game of the NCAA Division II Super Regional series. The team, which is currently ranked No. 3, squared off against the top-seeded UT-Tyler. In a thrilling start to the best-of-three series, the Lady Buffs secured an 11-8 victory after a dramatic comeback. The game saw them rally from an early deficit, having been down 3-0 and later 8-4.
Significant contributions to the comeback victory included a two-run home run by Cadence Colborn and two home runs from Abby Howell, highlighting the depth of talent on the roster. In relief of Boyer, Heidi Vortherms pitched four scoreless innings, demonstrating her capabilities on the mound while striking out four batters. With this win, the Lady Buffs improved their season record to 56-6, reinforcing their status as a top contender in the championship.
Following this game, preparations for Game 2 of the Super Regional series were underway, scheduled for the following day, with the chance of a third game set for Saturday if necessary. The Lady Buffs are eager to build on their momentum as they pursue a more profound postseason impact.
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Additional Resources
- West Texas A&M University
- Wikipedia: College Softball
- NewsChannel 10
- Google Search: Emilee Boyer softball
- West Texas A&M University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Softball
