Three Sooners Named All-Americans

NORMAN, Okla. -- Three Oklahoma softball players were named to the 2005 Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division I All-America first, second and third teams on Thursday afternoon.

Leading the pack was senior catcher Heather Scaglione, who earned a first team, at large honor. The San Diego, Calif., native is the first player in OU history to receive two first-team honors in her career. She was also a first team at-large pick in 2004.

“Heather is one of the best catchers I have ever seen at the college level,” said OU head coach Patty Gasso. “She made the nation's coaches take notice of her ability and that this is something we are all very proud of. She is very deserving.”

Complete Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-America List

Scaglione powered the Sooner offense with a .370 batting average, 18 doubles, 14 HR, and 59 RBI. She finished her Sooner career ranked no lower than seventh in the power statistical categories.

Kristin Vesely landed on the second team as an outfielder. It marks the first such honor for the speedy lefty, who has been an All-Big 12 performer each of her first three seasons in Norman.

Vesely had arguably the second best individual offensive season in OU history. She set the single season record for batting average with a .451 mark. Additionally, she recorded the second best single season marks in hits (97), runs (63), and stolen bases (32).

It is also the first career honor for Norrelle Dickson, who garnered first team All-Big12 and first team Midwest All-Region honors earlier this season. She was named as a third baseman to the third team.

Dickson teamed with Vesely to form one of the deadliest leadoff duos in the NCAA this season. The sophomore third baseman hit .361 with 70 hits, 25 stolen bases and a .447 on-base percentage.

“The fact that we had two returning players make the All-America teams is very encouraging. It speaks to the strength of our future,” said Gasso. “They also are extremely deserving because each had a tremendous season.”

OU has had at least three players earn All-America honors on two other occasions. In 2000 the Sooners had a program record four All-Americans, while in 2001 three players earned the honors.

In other news relating to the OU softball program, Scaglione and fellow graduate Christina Enea have left Norman to begin professional careers in the National Pro Fastpitch league. Scaglione should be behind the plate for the NY/NJ Juggernauts in their second game of the season against the New England Riptide tonight. Enea will be suited up for the Chicago Bandits season opener against the Arizona Heat tonight at 8:30 p.m. (CST).

NY/NJ Juggernauts Website | Chicago Bandits Website

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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