Gordon Named ACC Softball Freshman of the Year; Cards Place Six on All-ACC Teams
May 10, 2023 | Softball
Gordon, Otis, Roby named to first team, Hess on second team, Lotus, Zabala earn third team honors
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The University of Louisville's Sarah Gordon has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference Softball Freshman of the Year while the Cardinals placed a program-best six players on the all-conference teams as announced by the league today.
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Gordon joins Taylor Roby and Korbe Otis on the first team, Daisy Hess was named to the second team with Easton Lotus and Alyssa Zabala earning third team honors. Gordon and Zabala were also named to the ACC All-Freshmen Team.
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Gordon becomes Louisville's first ACC Freshman of the Year after posting a .400 batting average with six home runs, six doubles and a triple while registering a .747 slugging percentage was a perfect 4-for-4 in stolen bases against conference opponents. The Cardinals' starting catcher scored 23 runs and drove in 27 to help lead the Cardinals to 16 wins in ACC play, matching a school record.
• The Lexington, S.C. native was recently named to the TUCCI/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) National Freshman of the Year Top 25 List, becoming the third player in program history to make the list. Earlier this season, she was tabbed the ACC Player of the Week and NFCA Division I Player of the Week.
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Otis (Littleton, Colo.) led the Cardinals with a .415 average and paced the conference with 33 runs and three triples in ACC play. The sophomore centerfielder tallied 34 hits with four home runs, three triples, a double and earned 12 walks– reaching base safely in Louisville's 23 conference games. She was also a perfect 8-for-8 in stolen bases and stood tied for fourth in the ACC with .495 on-base percentage.
• After being named to the ACC All-Freshmen team last year, Otis went on to earn ACC Player of Week honors on three different occasions this season. She also set the school record with a 35-game reached base streak.
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Roby, a graduate senior from Mt. Washington, Ky., takes home her third straight ACC nod. The right-handed pitcher/designated player finished with a .403 batting average with a league-best 14 home runs, 1.536 on-base + slugging percentage and 34 RBIs against conference opponents. She earned ACC Player of the Week honors on April 25.
 • In the circle, she posted three wins and two saves with 16 strikeouts in 51.2 innings of conference play.
• Overall, Roby is in the midst of a career-best season, leading the conference and tied for first in the NCAA with 22 home runs. She owns Louisville's all-time single season and overall (62) home run records. She also leads the team with a 2.42 ERA and has tallied 10 wins in the circle.
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Lotus started every game at second base for the Cardinals this season after recovering from a season-ending injury her freshman year. The sophomore from New Lenox, Ill., finished the ACC season on a 16-game hitting streak dating back to the March 25 win over NC State. She tallied 11 RBIs and 10 runs while going 5-for-6 in stolen bases.
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Zabala (Miami, Fla.) was impressive in her rookie season in the circle. The right-handed pitcher stood tied for fourth in the league with eight ACC wins and led Louisville's staff with 33 strikeouts in 59.2 innings of work. She helped the Cardinals to shutouts against Syracuse and Boston College.
• Overall, Zabala leads the team with a 14-8 record and 87 strikeouts in 116 innings.
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The Cardinals (35-17, 16-7 ACC) earned the No. 4 seed in the 2023 Atlantic Coast Conference championship and will open tournament play on Thursday against fifth-seeded Virginia Tech at 1:30 p.m. at Notre Dame's Melissa Cook Stadium.
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2023 ACC Softball Awards
Player of the Year: Valerie Cagle, Clemson, Jr., P
Pitcher of the Year: Kathryn Sandercock, Florida State, Sr., P
Defensive Player of the Year: Carlli Kloss, Notre Dame, Jr., C
Freshman of the Year: Sarah Gordon, Louisville, Fr., C
Coach of the Year: Lonni Alameda, Florida State
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First Team
C – Sarah Gordon, Louisville, Fr., C
INF – Ana Gold, Duke, So., 3B
INF – Abby Settlemyre, North Carolina, Sr., 2B
INF - Karina Gaskins, Notre Dame, Jr., 1B
INF – Joley Mitchell, Notre Dame., Sr., 3B
OF – D'Auna Jennings, Duke, Fr., OFÂÂ
OF – Jahni Kerr, Florida State, So., OF
OF – Korbe Otis, Louisville, So., OF
P – Valerie Cagle, Clemson, Jr., P
P – Cassidy Curd, Duke, Fr., P
P - Kathryn Sandercock, Florida State, Sr., P
At-Large – Deja Davis, Duke, Gr., DP
At-Large – Aminah Vega, Duke, Fr., 2B
At-Large – Taylor Roby, Louisville, Gr., DP
At-Large – Yvonne Whaley, Pitt, Sr., SS
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Second Team
Gisele Tapia, Duke, Sr., 1B
Jala Wright, Duke, Jr., P
Michaela Edenfield, Florida State, So., C
Devyn Flaherty, Florida State, Jr., 2B
Kaley Mudge, Florida State, Jr., OF
Makenna Reid, Florida State, Fr., P
Emma Kauf, Georgia Tech, Sr., C
Daisy Hess, Louisville, Sr., SS
Lilli Backes, North Carolina, So., P
Alex Brown, North Carolina, So., SS
Lexi Orozco, Notre Dame, Gr., DP
Kelsey Brown, Virginia Tech, Gr., OF
Emma Lemley, Virginia Tech, So., P
Bre Peck, Virginia Tech, So., DP
Emma Ritter, Virginia Tech, Jr., OF
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Third Team
Caroline Jacobsen, Clemson, Gr., OF
Alia Logoleo, Clemson, Jr., SS
Ally Miklesh, Clemson, Gr., OF
Millie Thompson, Clemson, Jr., P
Kalei Harding, Florida State, Jr., 3B
Mack Leonard, Florida State, Sr., 1B
Easton Lotus, Louisville, So., 2B
Alyssa Zabala, Louisville, Fr., P
Carlli Kloss, Notre Dame, Jr., C
Kiersten Licea, North Carolina, Sr., 1B
Hannah Goodwin, NC State, So., 3B
Sarah Seamans, Pitt, Sr., 1B
Eden Bigham, Virginia, Fr, P
Jayme Bailey, Virginia Tech, Gr., 1B
Cameron Fagan, Virginia Tech, Jr., 2B
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All-Freshmen Team
Cassidy Curd, Duke, Fr., P
D'Auna Jennings, Duke, Fr., OF
Aminah Vega, Duke, Fr., 2B
Makenna Reid, Florida State, Fr., P
Sarah Gordon, Louisville, Fr., C
Alyssa Zabala, Louisville, Fr., P
Mickey Winchell, Notre Dame, Fr., OF
Madison Knight, Syracuse, Fr. P
Eden Bigham, Virginia, Fr, P
Jade Hylton, Virginia, Fr., 2B
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Gordon joins Taylor Roby and Korbe Otis on the first team, Daisy Hess was named to the second team with Easton Lotus and Alyssa Zabala earning third team honors. Gordon and Zabala were also named to the ACC All-Freshmen Team.
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Sarah is the first player to earn the honor in program history!
— Louisville Softball (@LouisvilleSB) May 10, 2023
Details: https://t.co/CaXJ9Q8xV1#GoCards | @sarahgordon008 pic.twitter.com/quN08YBlrp
Gordon becomes Louisville's first ACC Freshman of the Year after posting a .400 batting average with six home runs, six doubles and a triple while registering a .747 slugging percentage was a perfect 4-for-4 in stolen bases against conference opponents. The Cardinals' starting catcher scored 23 runs and drove in 27 to help lead the Cardinals to 16 wins in ACC play, matching a school record.
• The Lexington, S.C. native was recently named to the TUCCI/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) National Freshman of the Year Top 25 List, becoming the third player in program history to make the list. Earlier this season, she was tabbed the ACC Player of the Week and NFCA Division I Player of the Week.
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ÂThree Cards reppin' on the All-ACC First Team!!
— Louisville Softball (@LouisvilleSB) May 10, 2023
? @sarahgordon008
? @korbeotis
? @taayyroby13
Details: https://t.co/FuzYIjxItT#GoCards pic.twitter.com/2ZHBFqBRF1
Otis (Littleton, Colo.) led the Cardinals with a .415 average and paced the conference with 33 runs and three triples in ACC play. The sophomore centerfielder tallied 34 hits with four home runs, three triples, a double and earned 12 walks– reaching base safely in Louisville's 23 conference games. She was also a perfect 8-for-8 in stolen bases and stood tied for fourth in the ACC with .495 on-base percentage.
• After being named to the ACC All-Freshmen team last year, Otis went on to earn ACC Player of Week honors on three different occasions this season. She also set the school record with a 35-game reached base streak.
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Roby, a graduate senior from Mt. Washington, Ky., takes home her third straight ACC nod. The right-handed pitcher/designated player finished with a .403 batting average with a league-best 14 home runs, 1.536 on-base + slugging percentage and 34 RBIs against conference opponents. She earned ACC Player of the Week honors on April 25.
 • In the circle, she posted three wins and two saves with 16 strikeouts in 51.2 innings of conference play.
• Overall, Roby is in the midst of a career-best season, leading the conference and tied for first in the NCAA with 22 home runs. She owns Louisville's all-time single season and overall (62) home run records. She also leads the team with a 2.42 ERA and has tallied 10 wins in the circle.
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Hess earns her first all-ACC nod after joining the Cardinals as a transfer from Georgia State where she played three seasons. The shortstop from Acworth, Ga. Batted .362 with three home runs, three doubles and two triples and scored 13 runs while driving in 15 in ACC contests. Additionally, she is tied for first in the league with 10 stolen bases during conference play.Made an immediate impact in her first year in the Ville ??
— Louisville Softball (@LouisvilleSB) May 10, 2023
Congrats to @DaisyHess22 for earning second team conference honors!
Details: https://t.co/FuzYIjxaEl#GoCards pic.twitter.com/sBlmvz0SzN
Two more Cards with All-ACC honors
— Louisville Softball (@LouisvilleSB) May 10, 2023
Congrats Easton & @alyssazabala for being named to the All-ACC third team??
Details: https://t.co/FuzYIjxItT#GoCards pic.twitter.com/wj2kqu07O6
Lotus started every game at second base for the Cardinals this season after recovering from a season-ending injury her freshman year. The sophomore from New Lenox, Ill., finished the ACC season on a 16-game hitting streak dating back to the March 25 win over NC State. She tallied 11 RBIs and 10 runs while going 5-for-6 in stolen bases.
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Zabala (Miami, Fla.) was impressive in her rookie season in the circle. The right-handed pitcher stood tied for fourth in the league with eight ACC wins and led Louisville's staff with 33 strikeouts in 59.2 innings of work. She helped the Cardinals to shutouts against Syracuse and Boston College.
• Overall, Zabala leads the team with a 14-8 record and 87 strikeouts in 116 innings.
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About Louisville SoftballThe freshmen battery putting @ACCsoftball on notice ??
— Louisville Softball (@LouisvilleSB) May 10, 2023
Big time, @sarahgordon008 & @alyssazabala!
Details: https://t.co/FuzYIjxItT#GoCards pic.twitter.com/uDUUOdXf3Q
The Cardinals (35-17, 16-7 ACC) earned the No. 4 seed in the 2023 Atlantic Coast Conference championship and will open tournament play on Thursday against fifth-seeded Virginia Tech at 1:30 p.m. at Notre Dame's Melissa Cook Stadium.
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2023 ACC Softball Awards
Player of the Year: Valerie Cagle, Clemson, Jr., P
Pitcher of the Year: Kathryn Sandercock, Florida State, Sr., P
Defensive Player of the Year: Carlli Kloss, Notre Dame, Jr., C
Freshman of the Year: Sarah Gordon, Louisville, Fr., C
Coach of the Year: Lonni Alameda, Florida State
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First Team
C – Sarah Gordon, Louisville, Fr., C
INF – Ana Gold, Duke, So., 3B
INF – Abby Settlemyre, North Carolina, Sr., 2B
INF - Karina Gaskins, Notre Dame, Jr., 1B
INF – Joley Mitchell, Notre Dame., Sr., 3B
OF – D'Auna Jennings, Duke, Fr., OFÂÂ
OF – Jahni Kerr, Florida State, So., OF
OF – Korbe Otis, Louisville, So., OF
P – Valerie Cagle, Clemson, Jr., P
P – Cassidy Curd, Duke, Fr., P
P - Kathryn Sandercock, Florida State, Sr., P
At-Large – Deja Davis, Duke, Gr., DP
At-Large – Aminah Vega, Duke, Fr., 2B
At-Large – Taylor Roby, Louisville, Gr., DP
At-Large – Yvonne Whaley, Pitt, Sr., SS
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Second Team
Gisele Tapia, Duke, Sr., 1B
Jala Wright, Duke, Jr., P
Michaela Edenfield, Florida State, So., C
Devyn Flaherty, Florida State, Jr., 2B
Kaley Mudge, Florida State, Jr., OF
Makenna Reid, Florida State, Fr., P
Emma Kauf, Georgia Tech, Sr., C
Daisy Hess, Louisville, Sr., SS
Lilli Backes, North Carolina, So., P
Alex Brown, North Carolina, So., SS
Lexi Orozco, Notre Dame, Gr., DP
Kelsey Brown, Virginia Tech, Gr., OF
Emma Lemley, Virginia Tech, So., P
Bre Peck, Virginia Tech, So., DP
Emma Ritter, Virginia Tech, Jr., OF
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Third Team
Caroline Jacobsen, Clemson, Gr., OF
Alia Logoleo, Clemson, Jr., SS
Ally Miklesh, Clemson, Gr., OF
Millie Thompson, Clemson, Jr., P
Kalei Harding, Florida State, Jr., 3B
Mack Leonard, Florida State, Sr., 1B
Easton Lotus, Louisville, So., 2B
Alyssa Zabala, Louisville, Fr., P
Carlli Kloss, Notre Dame, Jr., C
Kiersten Licea, North Carolina, Sr., 1B
Hannah Goodwin, NC State, So., 3B
Sarah Seamans, Pitt, Sr., 1B
Eden Bigham, Virginia, Fr, P
Jayme Bailey, Virginia Tech, Gr., 1B
Cameron Fagan, Virginia Tech, Jr., 2B
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All-Freshmen Team
Cassidy Curd, Duke, Fr., P
D'Auna Jennings, Duke, Fr., OF
Aminah Vega, Duke, Fr., 2B
Makenna Reid, Florida State, Fr., P
Sarah Gordon, Louisville, Fr., C
Alyssa Zabala, Louisville, Fr., P
Mickey Winchell, Notre Dame, Fr., OF
Madison Knight, Syracuse, Fr. P
Eden Bigham, Virginia, Fr, P
Jade Hylton, Virginia, Fr., 2B
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Players Mentioned
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