Softball: Eckermann up for senior honor

OU senior pitcher Lauren Eckermann was named one of 10 finalists for the Softball Division of the 2008 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award. Nationwide balloting begins immediately to determine this year’s winner, which will receive the award during the NCAA Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, Okla.

The finalists were chosen from a list of 30 candidates based on personal qualities that define a complete student-athlete. These four primary areas of criteria include: classroom, community, character and competition.

Eckermann, who was the 2007 Co-Big 12 Pitcher of the year in 2007, has recorded a 10-3 record for the Sooners this season and has been even better in Big 12 play this season where she owns a 2-0 record and a 0.54 ERA.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award has developed into the nation’s premier tribute to college seniors. The award, which launched in 2001 with college basketball, is now in its second year for softball. Arizona outfielder Caitlin Lowe won the inaugural softball division award in 2007.

The 2008 finalists are: Callista Balko, University of Arizona, Beth Boden, Tennessee Tech University, Sara Dyer, University of Tulsa, Lauren Eckermann, University of Oklahoma, Rachel Folden, Marshall University, Jordan Praytor, University of Alabama, Megan Rhodes, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Anjelica Selden, UCLA, Angelia Tincher, Virginia Tech and Sandy Vojik, DePaul University.

These 10 names will be placed on the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award softball ballot for a nationwide vote beginning April 10 and concluding May 9. Fan balloting, available on the award’s official website www.seniorclassaward.com, will be combined with votes from coaches, media and sponsors to determine the recipient of the award.