May 27, 2008

Tincher named USA Softball National Player of the Year

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - The Amateur Softball Association, the National Governing Body of Softball in the United States, announced today the selection of Virginia Tech's Angela Tincher (Eagle Rock, Va.) as the recipient of the Seventh Annual USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Year Award. After being a top 10 finalist in 2007, Tincher has dominated the competition in 2008 with a nation-best 0.62 ERA.

The USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Year Award, in its seventh year, is designed to recognize outstanding athletic achievement by NCAA Division I collegiate softball players across the country.

The 2008 ACC Pitcher of the Year, Tincher has put her mark in the NCAA record books this season. At No. 3 for most NCAA career strikeouts (2,121), the senior hurler is currently leading the nation in ERA at 0.62 behind former Player of the Years Monica Abbott and Cat Osterman. With 651 strikeouts this season in 329.0 innings pitched, she also leads the nation with 14.0 strikeouts per seven innings.

"It's very exciting and right now I am just trying to let it sink in. This is something I have watched on TV and read about before and now it be even in that group is so amazing," said Tincher. "I am excited for our team mostly. If we had not had the success as a team this year, I don't think I would have ever had this opportunity. We have great coaches and support staff behind us and this is such an honor."

With a 38-8 record, Tincher has led the Hokies to their first-ever Women's College World Series appearance. She has 37 double-digit strikeout performances this season and four no-hitters. She picked up her 100th career win at NC State on March 22 and became the ACC's all-time leader in victories on April 16. On March 26, 2008, she made softball history with a no-hit 1-0 shutout against the USA Softball Women's National team. Tincher has not only excelled on the field but off as she had made the Dean's List every semester of College. She recently graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in finance, insurance and business law with a 3.84 GPA.

Tincher named winner of Lowe's Senior CLASS Award

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla - Virginia Tech's Angela Tincher, one of the most successful pitchers in NCAA softball history who has made an equally-impressive impact in the classroom and her local community, has been selected as the winner of the 2008 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award in the softball division. The award, chosen by a nationwide vote of coaches, media and fans, is presented annually to college softball's outstanding NCAA Division I senior student-athlete.

The announcement and trophy presentation was made today by Lowe's during the opening ceremonies of the NCAA Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City, OK. This marks the second year for the softball division of the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award. Caitlin Lowe of the University of Arizona was the inaugural winner in 2007.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award has grown into the nation's premier tribute to college seniors. The award identifies personal qualities that define a complete student-athlete, with criteria including excellence in the classroom, character and community, as well as the candidate's performance on the field.

"I'm very honored to receive the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award," said Tincher. "I really appreciate the fans that voted for me, since that was a big part of the decision process. I watched Caitlin Lowe receive the award last year, so it is very flattering to be considered for a great award that has honored many spectacular student-athletes in various sports. I want to thank my teammates and coaches for the support they have given me during this season and my career, and also to thank Lowe's for this distinction."

The 2008 Pitcher of the Year in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Tincher made history in March when she pitched a no-hitter against the US National Team in a 1-0 Virginia Tech win. A four-time finalist for USA Softball National Player of the Year, she has 2,089 strikeouts in her career, ranking third in NCAA history. As a senior, she is 36-7 and is leading the nation with a 0.61 ERA and 619 strikeouts in 309 innings. She also pitched her 100th win, became the ACC's all-time leader in victories and was named the ACC Tournament Most Valuable Player.