THE FLATS – Georgia Tech softball graduate first baseman Tricia Awald and junior catcher Emma Kauf have each been named in D1Softball’s D150, representing the top 150 players in the nation, as announced by the publication. Awald comes in at No. 79 while Kauf was slotted at No. 104.
Awald earns the honor on the heels of a stellar season to culminate her decorated career. This past season alone, the Marietta, Ga., native received all-ACC honors and all-region honors for the second consecutive season after being named First Team All-ACC and NFCA Southeast Second Team All-Region. While leading the nation in walks per game and tying for second in Tech history in single season walks (52), Awald finished fourth in the NCAA and led the ACC in on-base percentage (.568) last season to rank third on The Flats all-time. The graduate first baseman also set a plethora of career program records for the White and Gold, including becoming Tech’s all-time leader in both doubles (57) and walks (169). Among all previous Yellow Jackets, the lefty slugger finished third in on-base percentage (.513), fourth in slugging percentage (.648) and fielding percentage (.989), fifth in batting average (.360) and total bases (433) and sixth in home runs (45), hits (237) and RBI (165).
Kauf garners the recognition heading into her senior season. Tech’s mainstay behind the dish also added First Team All-ACC honors, now receiving back-to-back recognitions, as well as an NFCA Southeast Second Team All-Region selection to her career accolades. In the box, Kauf has displayed her hitting acumen as she swatted 25 doubles throughout the season, finishing second in the nation and in single season program history for the Jackets. The Lincoln, Neb., native led the ACC with 71 hits last season, tying for 11th in Tech history in a season. Along with that, Kauf led the league in doubles per game (0.45) while ranking third in the league in total bases (118). During the season, Tech’s all-around weapon also earned an ACC Player of the Week award following a 9-for-12 week with three doubles, a triple and four RBI against UAB and NC State.
Georgia Tech put together a historic 2022 season, earning its first win in an NCAA Regional since 2012, the most home wins in program history (24), the best nonconference win percentage in Tech history (0.844), the most ranked wins since 2015 (two) and since 2011 – its highest RPI (No. 23), most wins (38) and highest win percentage (0.679).
Alexander-Tharpe Fund
The Alexander-Tharpe Fund is the fundraising arm of Georgia Tech athletics, providing scholarship, operations and facilities support for Georgia Tech’s 400-plus student-athletes. Be a part of developing Georgia Tech’s Everyday Champions and helping the Yellow Jackets compete for championships at the highest levels of college athletics by supporting the Annual Athletic Scholarship Fund, which directly provides scholarships for Georgia Tech student-athletes. To learn more about supporting the Yellow Jackets, visit atfund.org.
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