University of Massachusets Athletics
Two Softball Players Named To Academic All-District Team
May 15, 2001 | Softball
May 15, 2001
AMHERST, Mass. - University of Massachusetts sophomores Brandi Cross (Diamond Bar, Calif.) and Kaila Holtz (North Vancouver, British Columbia) were named to the Verizon Academic All-District 1 Team, it was announced today. The two Minutewomen are joined on the team by eight other student-athletes from District 1.
Cross, who carries a 3.93 GPA in Psychology, has started all 54 games at first base this season, and is batting .275 with 13 doubles and two home runs. She has 10 multiple-hit games this season, including a 3-for-4 performance with two RBI and a run scored in 14-6 win over La Salle (March 24). Her current career total of 11 homers ties her for third all-time at UMass. Cross also has an on-base percentage of .390 and a slugging percentage of .399. In 508 fielding chances this year, she's made only four errors for a .992 fielding percentage. Cross was a member of the 2001 Athletic Council Honor Roll for having the highest GPA on the team.
Holtz, an Exercise Science major with a 3.78 GPA, hit .230 at the plate as a designated player this season, with nine doubles, four home runs and 20 RBI. She had five multiple-hit games, and went 4-for-8 with two RBI and three runs scored in the three-game sweep of La Salle (March 24 & 25). Holtz also shook off shoulder trouble mid-season to compile a 12-1 record on the mound, with a 1.99 ERA with five shutouts and 73 strikeouts in 98.2 innings of work. On April 8, she struck out a career-high 12 batters in an eight inning, complete-game win (7-2) at St. Bonaventure. During the regular season, Holtz was honored twice as the Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Week (March 19 & May 7). She has also been named to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll during all three of her semesters at UMass.
Both Cross and Holtz are now on the ballot for All-America consideration.
- UM -
Please note that District 1 includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Quebec.