GREENSBORO – Coming off a 2016 season that saw the UNC Pembroke softball squad set multiple program records, All-Peach Belt Conference softball honorees
Abbey Walters and
Jamie Johnson have been named to the North Carolina Sports Information Association (NCCSIA) College Division All-State Softball Team.
The Braves duo are two of 24 players across the state selected to the prestigious squad, marking the third postseason award for the junior Walters and the first recognition for Johnson, a sophomore. This is the fourth-consecutive season at least one Braves softball player has been named to the All-State team.
Walters, a Bladenboro, North Carolina native, started all 54 games for the Black & Gold this season, compiling a team-best .396 batting average in the process. Walters led all Braves in hits (72), doubles (16), triples (4), home runs (8), RBI (42), total bases (120) and slugging percentage (.659) and tied for the team lead in at-bats (182), on-base percentage (.420) and stolen bases (26). The transfer dominated the league in her first season in Black & Gold garb, ranking in the top 10 of 10 PBC offensive categories, including seven ranks in the top five. Her 120 total bases were just two of the UNCP record of 122, set in 2008 by two-time All-American Jelena Shaw. Walters registered a team-high 25 multi-hit and 13 multi-RBI games this season, while racking up a 14-game hitting streak at one point. A dual-position star, Walters shined in the circle for UNCP as well, tossing 82.2 innings over 21 appearances and 10 games started. She compiled a 2.71 ERA, tops on the squad, and an 8-5 record, while striking out 48 batters and walking one. Opponents hit just .245 against the righty.
Johnson compiled a.420 on-base percentage and scored a team-best 46 runs in 2016, while playing in every game for UNCP. A Kenly, North Carolina native, Johnson hit .363 this season with 15 doubles, three triples and five home runs, driving in 30 runs and stealing 26 bases. The Braves' third baseman ranked in the top 10 of eight league categories, including the fifth-most hits and stolen bases and seventh-most total bases. Johnson reached base in a team-high 24-consecutive games at one point this season and compiled a 14-game hitting streak.
The two All-State stars are among 12 returning to the diamond for the Braves next season, looking to up their win total for the third-straight year. The 2016 Braves reached the PBC semifinals for the first time in program history and capped off the first back-to-back winning seasons since 1991-92.
North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association
2016 College Division All-State Softball Teams
First Team
Pos. Name School
P Carley Tysinger#*+ Catawba College
P Stacey Houser^*% Wingate University
C Taylor Laskey&+ Wingate University
IF Madison Carter Lenoir-Rhyne University
IF Jordin Phillips Lenoir-Rhyne University
IF Tina White% Chowan University
IF Lindsey Wiggins+ William Peace University
OF Erin Boone Lenoir-Rhyne University
OF Kelsey Akers University of Mount Olive
OF Kristen Stinnard Catawba College
UTL Mellena Helms# Wingate University
DP Makayla Carver Guilford College
Second Team
Pos. Name School
P Maryann Hoskins#&+ Lenoir-Rhyne University
P Kayla Robins Chowan University
C Haley Cooper Chowan University
IF Misty Doran Wingate University
IF Gina Gerone Catawba College
IF Jamie Johnson UNC Pembroke
IF Caroline Womble William Peace University
OF Kris Neal Chowan University
OF Taylor Rosenbalm* Queens University of Charlotte
OF Christina Walker Lenoir-Rhyne University
UTL Abbey Walters UNC Pembroke
DP Jordan Wilson Wingate University
+ - Named to 2015 All-State Team (1st Team) * - Named to 2014 All-State Team (2nd Team)
% - Named to 2015 All-State Team (2nd Team) # - Named to 2013 All-State Team (1st Team)
& - Named to 2014 All-State Team (1st Team) ^ - Named to 2013 All-State Team (2nd Team)
