West Florida Softball Earns Four Spots on All-GSC Team; Move to #7 in Regional Rankings :: UWF places two on First Team and two on Second Team

May 1, 2008

PENSACOLA, Fla. - The Gulf South Conference announced the All-Conference team winners on Wednesday afternoon that included four West Florida softball players. Seniors Nicky VanCamp and Taren Walton were both named to the All-GSC First Team, while Whitney Gay and Jillian LaFrance both earned Second Team honors for the 2008 season. University of Alabama-Huntsville's Alex Lewis took the Freshman of the Year and Pitcher of the Year awards for the East Division, while Head Coach Les Stuedeman was named Coach of the Year. Valdosta's Alex Acosta claimed the East Division Player of the Year award for the second straight year.

Taren Walton took home All-GSC honors for the second year in a row, but this time on the first team. The local senior posted a 1.80 ERA this season, along with a 13-7 record for UWF. Walton earned GSC East Division Pitcher of the Week three times in 2008, two of which were back-to-back weeks. Third basemen Nicky VanCamp earned her place on the first team, leading at the plate for UWF with a .362 batting average and a team high 55 hits on the season. VanCamp was named GSC East Division Player of the Week twice this season.

Senior Whitney Gay was named to the All-GSC Second Team for the East Division after a successful final season with West Florida. With a .306 batting average, Gay leads UWF in sacrifice bunts and has 49 hits this season, following closely behind VanCamp. Pitcher Jillian LaFrance completed her first year with the Argonauts with a 15-7 record in the circle, a .301 batting average, and a seat on the All-GSC Second Team. The sophomore took home the GSC East Division Pitcher of the Week award twice this season, combining with Walton to capture the honor five times for UWF in 2008.

In addition to GSC honors, the Argos have moved up in region ranking to the number seven hole. Surpassing Florida Southern and Nova Southeastern, the Argos have nestled in just behind GSC opponent Valdosta State. Barry University remains in the number one spot, closely followed Alabama-Hunstville, Saint Leo, Tampa, and Rollins to round off the top five. West Florida begins GSC Tournament play Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. versus GSC West opponent Henderson State.