CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Three members of the University of Hartford softball team were recognized with postseason awards on Wednesday afternoon, as announced by the America East Conference.

Freshman Nicole Springer landed a spot on the America East All-Conference First Team while Amanda Dilworth, a junior, was selected to the America East All-Conference Second Team. Two members of the freshman class were selected to the America East All-Rookie Team, which is chosen regardless of position. Joining Springer on the squad was classmate Jessica Oliveira.

 

“We are pleased that the America East coaches have recognized Nicole, Jess and Amanda for their individual performances in 2010,” exclaimed head coach Todd Randall. “They should be proud of their accomplishments.”

Springer landed a spot on the first-team as the designated player. The New Britain, Conn. native was the only player to start and play in every game this season and closed out her rookie season hitting at a clip of .325, ranking second on the squad while leading the Hawks with 34 RBI. Springer notched 40 hits in 2010, 19 of which went for extra-bases. The rookie entered Hartford's record book this season with a team-high 14 doubles, tying teammate Rachel Clonick for the most in a single season. In addition, Springer muscled out five homers, eight multi-hit games and recorded the longest hitting streak on the team at 12 games.

Dilworth, an America East All-Rookie Team selection in 2007, led Hartford offensively in 2010 with a .343 batting average while recording a team leading 22 runs and 22 walks. The second baseman registered 36 hits, third-best on the team, including nine doubles and a triple. Dilworth led the Hawks through conference play, connecting for a team-best 15 hits while swiping three bases. Dilworth, a native of Jackson, N.J., notched nine games with multiple hits in 2010 and etched her name in Hartford's record book ranking fifth all-time with 34 career stolen bases.

Oliveira closed out the season batting .320 with a team-best 41 hits. The centerfielder knocked in 10 runs and scored 19 times. Oliveira started and played in 39 games in her rookie campaign and led the Hawks with 14 multi-hit games.

All awards were determined by a vote of the conference's seven head coaches. Coaches are not permitted to vote for their own players.

The Hawks lose Clonick, Ann Kyzer, Sara Messinger and Olivia Piacentini to graduation.