Ocasio up for Freshman of the Year

Special to GC

Louisville, Ky. - University of Florida utility player Aleshia Ocasio<http://www.gatorzone.com/softball/bios.php?year=2015&player_id=74> is one of 25 finalists for the 2015 Division I National Freshman of the Year award, announced Thursday by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). The NFCA introduced this accolade last year, and this season's winner will be announced as part of the Women's College World Series festivities.

Sporting a 14-3 record, the right-hander has a 1.53 ERA with nine complete games, three shutouts, two saves and 123 strikeouts in 105.0 innings pitched. The St. Cloud, Fla., native also holds a .261 batting average with six runs scored, one triple, one home run and two RBI.

Ocasio's Highlights

*         Ranks among UF all-time freshman leaders in the following pitching categories:
o    ERA (second, min. 50 IP)
o    Wins (T-5th)
o    Complete games (T-7th)
o    Shutouts (T-7th)
o    Saves (T-5th)
o    Strikeouts (seventh)
*         Is the fourth Gator freshman since 2011 to strike out at least 100 batters (Hannah Rogers - 2011, Lauren Haeger - 2012, Delanie Gourley - 2014)
*         Owns six wins over ranked opponents, with a 1.80 ERA, four complete games and 50 K in 50.2 innings pitched in 10 appearances (seven starts) vs. Top 25 teams.
*         Ranks among the SEC leaders in the following categories:
o    ERA (fifth, min 1.0 IP per team game)
o    Opponent average (eighth)
o    Innings (13th)
o    Strikeouts (sixth)
o    Wins (T-9th)
o    Saves (T-4th).
*         Ranks among NCAA leaders (as of April 9) in ERA (21st) and strikeouts per 7.0 innings (39th).

Florida will hit the road for a three-game series at No. 11 Georgia beginning Friday at 6 p.m. ET. The series opener will be streamed on SEC Network+ via WatchESPN through participating TV providers only.

 

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.