Bailey Murphy Named NCAA DIII Stat Champion-Toughest to Strike Out
Montgomery, Ala.-Huntingdon Softball player Bailey Murphy was named the 2021-22 NCAA Division III statistical champion for Toughest To Strike Out.
Among all NCAA qualifiers (minimum two at bats per game played and appearances in at least 75 percent of team's total games played), Murphy was one of three players to record no strikeouts during the 2022 season. Teammate Natalie Ritchey was in the top 10 in the category, with just one strikeout in 118 at-bats.
"The one word I can express about this award is grateful! I am grateful for my two coaches as well as all of my teammates for always pushing me to give my best every day," Murphy said. "The Huntingdon program means the world to me so I make it my first priority when I am in the batters box to be disciplined at the plate and put the ball in play. My goal is to make the best of every at bat for my teammates and the success of my team."
Murphy transferred from Central Alabama Community College and is a Criminal Justice major. Murphy ended the 2022 season with a .348 batting average and .446 slugging percentage. She recorded 32 hits with 26 RBI and 9 doubles. The Semmes, Alabama, native appeared in 36 games for the Hawks at first base.
"We are very proud of Bailey for this award," Head Coach Casey Chrietzberg said. "Her ability to always make something happen at the plate was a huge asset to our team and a true testament to her focus and determination."
"It is an honor for one of our players to be named NCAA stat champion for toughest to strike out," Assistant Coach and Hitting Coach Hannah Qualls said. "Bailey is a power lefty that had a lot of success for us at the plate during the 2022 session. She has a very competitive mentality when it comes to hitting, and she brings that same mentality to practice everyday. She is never satisfied with being mediocre, and strives for perfection at the plate."
For more information about Huntingdon Softball, visit https://www.huntingdonhawks.com/sports/sball/index.