April 13, 2011

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern sophomore Emily Allard (Antioch, Calif./Deer Valley) has been named one of 25 finalists for the 2011 USA Softball Player of the Year Award, the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America announced today (April 13).

Entering Wednesday's doubleheader against Michigan State, Allard ranked first in the nation with 1.07 stolen bases per game and second in the country with a .527 batting average. She also was 12th in runs scored per game at 1.17.

Allard recorded hits in both of NU's games against the Spartans, running her current hitting streak to 22 games -- two shy of the Northwestern record set in 2007 by Tammy Williams. In the Wildcats' 31 contests this year, Allard has failed to get a hit in just three of them.

This award, which is considered the most prestigious honor in Division I women's collegiate softball, is designed to recognize outstanding athletic achievement by female collegiate softball players across the country. All-Americans Garland Cooper and Williams have been previous members of the top-25 list for the Wildcats.

Just days before the start of post-season play, a list of 10 finalists will be named and released on May 11. The three finalists will be announced May 25th while the winner of the 2011 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Award will be announced prior to the start of the 2011 NCAA Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. To view the complete list of 25 finalists for the 2011 award, visit USASoftball.com.

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