Press Release
Alabama State University Athletics
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. Alabama State had four players selected all-conference on a vote of the league’s head coaches and sports information directors, announced by the conference office Monday morning. The four players selected are the second-most of any team chosen for the team, tying the Lady Hornets with
Alabama A&M. Texas Southern led all teams in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) with six selections.
The Lady Hornets had a pair of selections named First Team All-Conference, including junior third baseman Kristin Gunter. The junior finished the regular season as the third-leading hitter on the team, hitting .297 on the season with 38 total hits – including 13 extra base hits. She collected a team-high 10 doubles, while also recording a triple and a pair of home runs with 20 runs batted in. She also scored 24 runs and finished the regular season with a .438 slugging percentage.
Junior Charlene Castro was named First Team as the designated player, hitting .295 on the season with 33 hits – including 12 extra base hits. She has collected nine doubles and is tied for the team-lead with three home runs and a team-high 32 runs batted in. Castro has scored 12 runs and is slugging .455 on the season.
“My junior year was filled with ups and downs, but was ultimately one I will never forget,” Castro said. “We had a tough schedule this year, playing teams in the SEC and other top conferences, but we managed to come together and battle through adversity. Getting 1st Team All-Conference is a huge accomplishment in my career and I have God, my team, and my family to thank for that. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for my senior season!”
Alabama State had a pair of Second Team selections, including sophomore Justine Jean who leads the team in innings pitched at 133.1. She has given 142 hits in those innings, and allowed 137 runs (112) earned, while leading the team in appearances with 31. Jean finished the regular season with 23 starts and 11 complete games, while throwing a pair of shutouts. The sophomore also recorded 90 strikeouts on the year.
Amira James was the final selection to the all-conference teams for Alabama State as the junior was named Second Team outfielder. She finished the regular season hitting .261 with 29 hits – including 12 extra base hits. James recorded five doubles and a team-high four triples, while also tying for the team lead with three home runs. She scored 25 runs, while knocking in another 22 and recorded a .459 slugging percentage.
Alabama State opens play in the SWAC Softball Championship Tournament Wednesday afternoon at the Barbara Williams Softball Complex in Montgomery.
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