LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) announced the top 25 finalists for the Schutt Sports / NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year award and Cal State Fullerton freshman right-handed pitcher Sydney Golden was among those selected.
Golden has put together a stellar rookie season in the circle thus far as she boasts a 1.78 ERA and a 14-3 record. Her 14 wins lead the team and are good for second in the Big West Conference.
The Riverside, Calif., native has recorded 63 strikeouts and six complete games in 94.1 innings of work. She has also allowed just 90 hits, 19 walks and 38 runs, 24 of which were earned.
In conference action, Golden is an impressive 4-0 with a 0.25 ERA as she has helped the league-leading Titans to a 9-0 Big West Conference ledger. In her four conference appearances, she has logged 15 strikeouts and two complete games in 28.0 innings pitched.
This year's 25 finalists hail from 22 different universities, while the group represents 12 Division I leagues from across the nation.
On Thursday, May 12, the list will be trimmed down to the top 10 finalists, while the top three finalists will be selected and released on Wednesday, May 25.
The Schutt / NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year trophy will be presented during a live ceremony on Tuesday, May 31 prior to the opening of the annual Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.
NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year – Top 25 Finalists
Kelly Barnhill, Florida – Pitcher
Ashley Diaz, Arkansas – First Baseman
Ebonee Echols, Michigan - Shortstop/Second Baseman
Taty Forbes, Coastal Carolina – Outfield
Sydney Golden, Cal State Fullerton – Pitcher
Carsyn Gordon, Florida State – Outfield/Infield
Megan Hensley, Louisville – Pitcher/Outfield/Designated Player
Jessica Hughes, Fordham – Second Base
Kelsey Horton, New Mexico State – First Baseman
Shay Knighten, Oklahoma – Infield
Amanda Lorenz, Florida – Outfield
Hailey Lunderman, Ole Miss – Shortstop
Taylor Lynch, Oklahoma State – Third Baseman
Maggie MacBeth, Butler – Second Baseman
Makayla Martin, Auburn – Pitcher
Keeli Milligan, Texas A&M – Outfield
Meehra Nelson, Oregon State – Pitcher
Hayley Norton, Saint Francis – Outfield
Claire Oberdorf, Marist – Second Baseman/Catcher
Sydney Romero, Oklahoma – Infield
Samantha Show, Texas A&M – Pitcher
Sydney Smith, LSU – Pitcher
Brooke Vines, Tennessee – Outfield
Kyla Walker, Baylor – Designated Player/Rightfield
Ali Wester, Notre Dame – Outfield/Infield