ENMU softball team earns high marks

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Eastern New Mexico University’s softball team was recognized last week for some off-field accomplishments, as the team was the second-best academic team in Division II in the 2018-19 school year.

The Greyhounds finished with a team grade point average of 3.717, second only to University of Bridgeport (3.776) in the Easton/National Fastpitch Coaches Association rankings.

“Our ENMU softball program has made great strides over the past year; both academically and athletically,” Greyhound coach Kira Zeiter said in a school release. “We take great pride in the softball program for being true student-athletes, as playing softball lasts for four years, but a degree lasts forever. I am extremely proud of this accomplishment for the program, and look forward to more continued success in the classroom and on the softball field.”

A total of 12 players were recognized by Eastern and the NFCA as All-American Scholar Athletes — Haleigh Behncke, Samantha Brockman, Adriana Carabajal, Emma Gary, Hanna Gary, Kimberly Likes, Kayka Marshal, Jennifer McElroy, Iliana Mendoza, Karina Moreno and Parker Smith.

The association had a record 8,161 student-athletes recognized across Divisions I, II and III.

The Greyhounds had 13 players make the Lone Star Conference Honor Roll in July, with seven of those players achieving perfect 4.0 GPAs.

Team holding home run derby — The Greyhound softball program is hosting a Nov. 2 home run derby at Greyhound Softball Field.

The derby is open to students, faculty and community members and will include a 9 a.m. individual competition and a noon team competition.

Entry is $15 per person or $50 per five-person team. All contestants receive 20 swings, with teams required to divide their 100 swings equally.

Additional swings are available in each competition. Individuals can purchase up to 10 additional swings for $1 each.

Teams may purchase up to 20 additional swings, available in increments of $5 for five swings divided equally among teammates.

Teams can register by contacting assistant coach Tayler Rushing at [email protected]. Payment can be made by cash or check at the derby.