May 7, 2008

HOUSTON, Texas. - Marshall University senior Rachel Folden highlighted the Conference USA softball banquet when she was presented the highly coveted Player of the Year Award voted by the conference coaches, Wednesday evening.

The Baldwin Park, Calif., native, Folden, was also named to the All-C-USA First Team at the catcher's position. With a .433 batting average, Folden led the conference with a .920 slugging percentage, .568 on base percentage, 53 runs scored and tied with Laurie Wagner of Houston with 17 home runs.

Folden is now a three-time First Team All-Conference USA selectee and named C-USA Player of the Year for a second time. She took home the award in 2006 as a sophomore. The Lowe's Senior Class Award finalist was also named to the C-USA Academic Team.

Accompanying Folden with awards is junior transfer Kelly Nielson, who was awarded the Co-Newcomer of the Year Award. After spending two years at Pima Community College in Tucson, Ariz., Nielson has made the most of her first year at Marshall with four home runs and 26 RBIs, including game-winning homers against East Carolina and UTEP. Nielson shared the award with Marquita Council of Central Florida.

Senior Samantha Rodriguez was selected as a first team outfielder joining Folden on the list. Rodriguez, a two-time C-USA Second Team member received her first team honor after leading the Herd with 43 RBIs and chipping in 13 home runs, nine doubles and two triples.

Junior Rachael Sofie was recognized as a C-USA Second Team outfielder after having a stellar season occupying the Herd's right and left field. She finished the regular-season with a .359 batting average and three home runs with 25 RBIs.

Freshman Melanie Stoehr rounded out the Herd's awards. Stoehr was named to the All-Conference USA Freshman Team. The Tacoma, Wash., native has made a major impact for the Herd during her first year at Marshall with key at bats including a two-run walk off homer to defeat UAB in a 10 inning marathon. She also recorded a walk off base on balls against No. 9 DePaul to secure the Herd's victory over its highest ranked opponent in school history.

For a complete list of award winners please check below:

All-Conference USA First Team
C - Rachel Folden, Marshall
IF - Jessica Valis, Houston
IF - Jennifer Klinkert, Houston
IF - Breanne Javier, UCF
IF - Stacie Townsend, UTEP
OF - Laurie Wagner, Houston
OF - Samantha Rodriguez, Marshall
OF - Lauren Lindsay, Tulsa
UT - Camilla Carerra, UTEP
P - Angel Shamblin, Houston
P - Allison Kime, UCF

All-Conference USA Second Team
C - Elaina Nordstrom, Houston
IF - Christa Raley, Houston
IF - Leila Dolfo, Memphis
IF - Sara Dyer, Tulsa
IF - Amber Bennett, UTEP
OF - Katie Bush, Houston
OF - Rachael Sofie, Marshall
OF - Megan Hill, Southern Miss
UT - Lindsey Tower, Tulsa
P - Samantha Davis, Southern Miss
P - Jordan Kinard, Tulsa

All-Conference USA Freshman Team
Jennifer Klinkert, Houston
Melanie Stoehr, Marshall
Maddie McKinley, Memphis
Kimber Bossom, Memphis
Jordan Kinard, Tulsa
Kailey Chapman, Tulsa
Laura Callaway, UAB
Caley Walden, UAB
Tiffany Lane, UCF
Abby McCalin, UCF
Camilla Carerra, UTEP

Freshman of the Year
Jennifer Klinkert, OF, Houston

Co-Newcomers of the Year
Kelly Nielson, IF, Marshall
Marquita Council, UCF

Pitcher of the Year
Angel Shamblin, Houston

Player of the Year
Rachel Folden, Marshall

Coach of the Year
Kyla Holas, Houston

All-Academic Team
Cristen Aona, ECU
Charina Sumner, ECU
Katie Bush, Houston
Laurie Wagner, Houston
Rachel Folden, Marshall
Lindsey Kelso, Memphis
Sara Dyer, Tulsa
Holly Krzan, UAB
Cat Snapp, UCF
Ashley Van Ryn, UCF
Stacie Townsend, UTEP