DUBOIS, Pennsylvania - Just like their counterparts on the baseball side of the event, the Salem softball team was also honored this morning ahead of their competition in the USCAA Small College World Series. Jazmyn Moetului led the way for Salem as the recipient of the organizations Student-Athlete of the Year award. After Moetului, 4 Tigers earned All-American honors, and head coach Steve Potts was also honored.
First, as previously mentioned, Jazmyn Moetului earned the Student-Athlete of the Year award. This award highlights a softball student-athlete that has shown exemplary performances on and off the field of competition. Moetului earned the award as both one of Salem's most consistent players on the field, and a true senior leader off the field.
After Moetului, Kendall Lemley was the first Tiger to earn All-American honors with her 1st team selection. Lemley has been dominant from the pitching circle and the plate this season as she is hitting for a .306 average, and has a 15-11 record and 2.50 ERA as a pitcher.
Next, Bella Ortiz earned USCAA All-American 2nd Team honors for her work in her debut season for Salem. Salem's regular starting shortstop is hitting for a .345 average, and has racked up an impressive 50 hits on the season.
Fourth, Brooke Wise also earned USCAA All-American 2nd Team honors for her effort's this season. Wise has been a consistent part of the Salem lineup all season, and currently is tied for the team lead in home runs (with Kendall Lemley) with 4.
Lastly, Franchesca Alvaro earned honorable mention All-American honors for hard work in the pitching circle for Salem this season. After returning from a major injury in 2024, Alvaro has been strong for Salem this season with a 3.68 ERA and 79 strikeouts on the season.
Additionally, Head Coach Steve Potts was honored with Coaching Staff of the Year honors by the USCAA at the event. Potts earned his 200th win at Salem this season, and has led the Tigers of the most wins in a season since the program was restarted in the early 1990s. With a 24-27 record, Salem earned the #1 overall seed in the USCAA Small College World Series as well. While not in an official coaching capacity, athletic trainer Ashley Thompson has also been pivotal to Salem's success on the diamond this season.
With these accolades in tough, the energy level should be high as Salem is set to begin competition in the USCAA Small College World Series. They will compete in the home run derby tonight before they square off with #8 seed Carlow on Monday, May 12th at 6 PM in Dubois, Pennsylvania.
