St. Edward's University

AUSTIN, Texas - St. Edward's junior Lisa Paul, freshman Paige Sandahl and sophomore Lexi Stephens all picked up regional award this past week after outstanding seasons by the three student-athletes. All three ladies were named to the 2009 Daktronics South Central Region All-Region Second-Team. Paul was also named first team all-South Central Region by the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association.

Paul, a Lake Jackson, Texas, native, was second on the team in batting average (.356), hits (68), and RBI's (49). She had a .419 batting average with runners in scoring position, and produced 11 eventual game-winning hits. She also had four walk-off hits as well. The junior tallied 21 multi-hit games, and 10 multi-RBI games. She had hitting streaks of 12 and nine games.

Sandahl, a Dripping Springs native, led the Heartland Conference with an 18-4 record and a 1.97 earned-run average. She finished the season with 206 strikeouts which is second on the all-time Hilltopper list. Opponents only hit .182 off of her. to end the season, Sandahl won 16 of her last 17 decisions. She was also named first-team all-Heartland Conference, Heartland Conference Pitcher of the Year, and Heartland Conference Freshman of the Year.

Stephens, a Baytown, Texas native, led the team and conference in batting average (.483), hits (114), and runs scored (62). She also led the team in doubles (16) and on-base percentage (.504). Her 114 hits lead the nation, with the next closest competitor being Andi Braswell of Valdosta State with 95.

"All three of the girls are silent leaders in the program and this award is direct reflection on their hard work and dedication to the university and their teammates," head coach Amy Coulter said.

The Hilltoppers ended its season with a 41-21 record after advancing to the NCAA South Central Regional in San Angelo, Texas, where they lost two games and were eliminated.