June 7, 2001
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Senior pitcher Krista Barry and sophomore shortstop Tracie Hall were named Co-Defensive Players of the Year at the softball team's annual awards banquet last night at the Benson Center.
Other awards were received by freshman third baseman Vanessa Werner for Rookie of the Year, sophomore second baseman Lauren Fissori for Most Improved Player, senior outfielder Jayne Whitney for the Bronco Award and sophomore outfielder Coresta Salas for Ms. Clutch. Additionally, freshman infielder Tess Nesbitt received the Jamie Whalen Award, given to the player that best shares the heart and desire for the game through the season. All team awards were determined through a vote of the players.
Barry finished her career with 33 wins, the second-highest total in SCU history. She was also second in appearances (141), starts (122), innings pitched (770) and shutouts (11). She ranks third all-time in complete games (79) and strikeouts (213), while logging the fifth-best ERA at 3.26. Additionally, Barry's 2.13 ERA for 2001 just missed the single-season top-five list.
Her co-winner for the defensive MVP award, Hall, anchored the team at shortstop, finishing with 115 assists to lead the team. She added 49 put-outs and was an offensive force as well, finishing third on the team in batting average.
Werner was a versatile player for the Broncos in her first collegiate campaign, playing both at both the third base and shortstop positions. Her desire to work hard and improve, matched with her speed and athletic ability, made her a huge asset through the season. She came on very strong at the end of the year with three multiple-hit games and hit 9-for-28 hit--over .30--in the Western Independent Softball League Tournament.
Fissori played a very solid second base for SCU ending with a .961 fielding percentage, making only six errors the entire year. The hard-working perfectionist concluded her season with a hit in each of the last three games of the WISL tournament, including a clutch two-out bases-loaded line shot pass the opponent's third baseman.
Whitney won the Bronco of the Year award for her remarkable comeback and show of heart in her final Bronco season. After suffering what could have been a season ending injury, she came back on Senior Day and went 2-for-3 against St. Mary's. She also played a solid left field, making the slide catch a routine play.
The Ms. Clutch award was given to Salas, who led the team with 12 RBI's this year. She had the clutch double to drive in the Broncos' first run in their 5-0 win over St. Mary's during the regular season. She also had a great WISL tournament, leading the team with four runs scored and a .410 batting average. Additionally, Salas had a team-best .417 batting average with runners in scoring position.
