Sharpe, Fisher, Carter highlight all-NSAA Softball selections

DICKINSON, N.D. -- Four Bruins were named all-North Star Athletic Association softball team, highlighted by NSAA Pitcher of the Year Kelli Fisher, NSAA Player of the Year Erin Sharpe and NSAA co-Newcomer of the Year Hannah Carter. The selections were conducted in a vote by the league coaches and announced in conjunction with the NSAA Tournament. 

Fisher, Sharpe, and Carter all earned first team honors and were joined by senior outfielder Sydney Robertson. In addition, junior first baseman Alex Tooley was named to the Gold Glove team and head coach Michala Cimino was named the NSAA Coach of the Year. 

Fisher set the school record with 29 wins and became the school's all-time career wins leader with 88. She currently leads the Bruins with a 29-6 record, six saves, and 200 strikeouts, while posting a 1.03 ERA. Fisher leads the nation in walks allowed per game at 0.51 and her 29 wins ranks fourth nationally. 

Sharpe, who split time at third base and in the circle, set the school record with 28 home runs and 78 RBIs this season, while also leading the Bruins with a .435 batting average, 17 doubles, 29 walks, and a .974 slugging percentage. Her home run total leads the nation, and she ranks third nationally in RBIs and slugging percentage. 

In the circle, Sharpe led the team with a 0.95 ERA, posting a 12-1 record with 66 strikeouts and one save. She did not allow a home run all season in 95.1 innings pitched. 

Carter, the Bruins' lead-off batter, posted a .402 batting average with eight doubles, a team-leading nine triples, 31 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases. 

Robertson batted .369 on the year with six doubles and three triples, while leading the team with 22 stolen bases. 

Bellevue won the NSAA regular season title with a 20-6 conference mark and regular season record of 49-14, finishing second in the NSAA Tournament. 

The Bruins will learn of their postseason fate on Wednesday at 6 p.m. when the qualifiers and pairings are announced for the NAIA National Championship Opening Round. 

2017 North Star Athletic Association Softball All-Conference First Team:

 2017 North Star Athletic Association Softball Postseason Awards

Pitcher-of-the-Year:  Kelli Fisher – Bellevue (Neb.)
Player-of-the-Year:  Erin Sharpe – Bellevue (Neb.)
Co-Newcomer-of-the-Year:  Mikayla Frost – Jamestown (N.D.) and Hannah Carter – Bellevue (Neb.)
Coach-of-the-Year:  Michala Cimino – Bellevue (Neb.)

2017 North Star Athletic Association Softball Gold Glove Team: