University of Rio Grande announces Rio's Adams named finalist for NFCA honor

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – University of Rio Grande first baseman Gabby Adams is among six finalists for the 2023 TUCCI/NFCA NAIA Freshman of the Year award.
     The finalists, one from each of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association's NAIA regions, were selected by the Association's NAIA All-America Committee.
     Adams, the Region VI nominee, was part of a list which also included Georgia Gwinnett's Enna Lackey (Region I), Lyon's Sophie Varela (Region II), Oklahoma City's Analise Rayburn (Region III), Avila's Stephanie Hayes (Region IV) and Baker's Kira Baker (Region V).
     The winner will be announced on June 8.
     Lackey (Continental Athletic) and Baker (Heart of America) were named their league's Freshman of the Year and join Varela (American Midwest), Rayburn (Sooner Athletic) and Adams (River States) in earning first-team all-Conference honors. Hayes (KCAC) picked up an honorable mention accolade.
     Adams, who hails from Grove City, Ohio, ranked third among the RedStorm's regulars with a .367 batting average. She hit four home runs, while leading the team in doubles (20) and runs batted in (48).
     The award honors the outstanding athletic achievement among freshman softball student-athletes throughout NAIA. To be eligible, student-athletes must come from an NFCA member institution.
     Reinhardt's Emily Loveless was tabbed the inaugural winner of the award in 2021 and Southeastern's Riley Sanders was the 2022 recipient. 

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