May 7, 2008

KENNESAW, Ga. - Brittany Matthews added to her already extensive collection of awards while Jessica Cross was honored for her impressive freshman season as both players were selected to the Atlantic Sun All-Conference First Team in a statement released Tuesday by the conference office. Cross was also unanimously named to the All-Freshman team for her efforts.

"I am very happy, but not at all surprised that these two athletes were given this honor," said Kennesaw State head coach Scott Whitlock. "They both had outstanding seasons that were deserving of recognition."

Matthews, who was named the A-Sun Preseason Pitcher of the Year and to the preseason All-Conference First Team, earned her third First Team All-Conference nod with her selection. She was also named the A-Sun Pitcher of the Year following the 2007 season.

Playing in her fourth and final season for the Owls, the Brooks, Ga., native led the Conference in saves (6) and strikeouts (281), was third in wins (22), and fourth in opponents' batting average (1.83). Her six saves were tied for the fifth-most nationally, while her 10.0 strikeouts per seven innings was good for 14th. The 281 strikeouts set the school's single season record, as did her 10.0 strikeouts per seven innings pitched.

In total, Matthews took home five A-Sun Player of the Week Awards, including back-to-back selections for the weeks of March 3rd and March 10. She finished her career at KSU as the school's career leader in a number of pitching categories including: strikeouts (887), starts (115) and games (145).

Cross turned in one of the most memorable freshman seasons in KSU history, leading the team in nearly every offensive category while compiling an 8-4 record and a 1.57 ERA in 19 appearances in the circle.

The freshman from Tunnel Hill, Ga., started every game this season for the Owls and led the team in batting average (.338), hits (53), doubles (9), home runs (15), RBI (41), walks (23), total bases (109), slugging percentage (.694), and on-base percentage (.435). Her ERA was the fifth lowest in the conference, while her 15 home runs were second-most by a freshman nationally and the fifth-most overall in the A-Sun.

"Brittany provided us the majority of our pitching while Jessica led the way for our offensive production," added Whitlock. "We would have not been nearly as successful this season if it weren't for these two players."

Florida Gulf Coast's Carmen Paez was named the Player of the Year, while USC Upstate's Morgan Childers was named the Freshman and Pitcher of the Year. Lipscomb's Kristin Peck was named the A-Sun's Coach of the Year.