University of Massachusets Athletics
Plourde Named NFCA All-American
June 02, 2010 | Softball
June 2, 2010
2010 Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-Americans | Announcement Video
AMHERST, Mass. - The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced its 2010 Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division I All-American Teams on Wednesday with UMass pitcher Sara Plourde earning third team honors. The sophomore pitcher from Bristol, Conn. is the 18th All-American in Minutewomen history after leading the nation in wins, strikeouts, and strikeouts per seven innings this season.
After going 6-1 in limited action as a freshman, Plourde quickly established herself as one the country's elite pitchers in 2010, compiling a record of 40-8 with a 1.30 ERA and an amazing 556 strikeouts in 311 1/3 innings pitched. Besides leading the country in both categories, her wins and strikeouts totals also set new UMass school records, breaking the marks set by two other UMass All-Americans, Brandice Balschmiter (34 wins - 2009) and Danielle Henderson (465 strikeouts - 1999).
She was named Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Year, as well as garnering first team All-Conference and All-Championship honors.
Plourde's 556-strikeout season is the ninth-highest total in NCAA history, with only four individuals ever fanning more in a season, Monica Abbott (Tennessee - 2004, 2005, 2007), Angela Tincher (Virginia Tech - 2007, 2008), Cat Osterman (Texas - 2005, 2006), and Courtney Blades (Southern Miss - 2000). Her 12.5 strikeouts per seven innings led the NCAA this season and is the 13th-best ratio in NCAA history.
The right-hander set UMass single-game records for strikeouts in a game and strikeouts in a seven inning game this season. On March 20 in San Diego, Plourde struck out 22 batters in a nine-inning 1-0 loss to Texas A&M, not allowing a hit to the Aggies until the ninth inning. The 22 K's tied an NCAA record for the most strikeouts in a game of nine innings or fewer. On April 6 at Boston College, she fanned 20 batters in a 6-0 victory, breaking Balschmiter's school record of 18 and coming within one of the NCAA mark for a seven inning game. She allowed just one hit in that contest as well, coming in the seventh inning.
Plourde threw five no-hitters in 2010, including a combined perfect game with Bailey Sanders at George Washington on March 28. Her 17 shutouts were third most nationally.
Plourde is UMass' 18th NFCA All-American and the 14th different player to earn the honor. Last season, Balschmiter and Carly Normandin were named to the second and third teams, respectively. Plourde joins Balschmiter (2009), Henderson (1997, 1998, 1999), and Jennifer Hadley (2002) as the only UMass pitchers to be named All-Americans.
Under NFCA Hall of Fame Coach Elaine Sortino, UMass finished the 2010 season 42-10-1 overall while winning the program's 22nd Atlantic 10 Championship and making its 20th NCAA Tournament appearance.
