From Washington University Athletics
Washington University in St. Louis junior outfielder Hannah Mehrle and senior pitcher Annie Pitkin were named to the 2016 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-America Team, as announced Wednesday in Salem, Va.
Mehrle was a second-team selection at outfielder, while Pitkin picked up third-team at-large honors. This marks the first time since 2010 WashU had had an All-American selection, and just the fourth time in school history the Bears have had multiple All-America honorees.
Mehrle, a first-team all-University Athletic Association (UAA) and NFCA All-Midwest Region honoree, started all 47 games in left field and batted a conference-best .487 with four home runs and 38 RBIs. She set the WashU single-season school record with 74 hits, and tied the school record with seven triples. Mehrle led the UAA in five categories: hits, batting average, on-base percentage (.549), triples and total bases (110). She hit safely in 42 of 47 games, and was tops on the team with 20 multi-hit games.
"Hannah's hard work in the cages, and attention to details, paid huge dividends this season; she came out the gate like a "thoroughbred" and maintained an impressive level of consistency throughout the season," said 11th-year head coach Leticia Pineda-Boutté." She may be quiet by nature, but let there be no doubt that she is a fierce competitor. This All-American recognition is a testament to Hannah's diligence whether hitting or playing defense."
Pitkin, a first-team all-UAA honoree and NFCA All-Midwest Region honoree, posted a 21-6 record with a 1.52 ERA with five shutouts and 17 complete games. She ranks fourth in Division III in strikeouts per seven innings (10.3), fifth in strikeouts (238) and 15th in victories. Pitkin was a top-25 finalist for the Schutt Sports/Division III Player of the Year, and was named to the UAA Championship All-Tournament Team.
"Annie arrived on campus with a goal of leading this program to success, and she certainly has done her part," said 11th-year head coach Leticia Pineda-Boutté. "Her tireless effort to improve each year, while developing into a team leader, is commendable. Annie is well-deserving of All American Honors. What a perfect ending to an illustrious career."
Pitkin owns a 71-30 career record with a 1.99 earned run average, with 778 strikeouts. She ranks first in school history in appearances (122), second in wins, third in innings pitched (609.1) and strikeouts and fourth in complete games (56). Pitkin is a three-time all-UAA and all-Midwest Region honoree.
WashU finished the 2016 season with a 35-12 overall record, and qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the 14th time in the last 15 years.