FMU softball players listed in final NCAA stats

Five Francis Marion University players are listed among the national leaders in the final 2011 NCAA Division II softball statistical report, while the Patriot squad is ranked highly in several team categories.

In the individual reports, senior left fielder Chelle Phillips (Waukee, Iowa) ranked as the 44th toughest batter to strike out, fanning only six times in 160 plate appearances.  Junior center fielder Destinea Schneider (Jacksonville, Fla.) ranked 47th in stolen bases per game (0.48).

Junior right-handed pitcher Kayla Ellingsen (Venice, Fla.) ranked 21st in pitching saves (3), while senior righty Cea Knox (Myrtle Beach, S.C.) and sophomore southpaw Murphy McConnell (Milton, Ga.) ranked 49th in saves (2).  Knox also ranked 73rd in fewest hits allowed per nine innings (5.86).

In the team rankings, the Patriot women ranked 27th in fielding percentage (.968), 52nd in earned run average (2.36), 53rd in stolen bases per game (1.35), and 91st in double plays turned per game (0.28).

Francis Marion ended the season with a 24-21-1 record.  FMU has earned an invitation to the NCAA Division II National Tournament twice in the past four seasons.

Approximately 300 schools participate in Division II softball.