June 27, 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gamecock senior shortstop Samie Garcia added to her impressive tally of awards when Easton placed her on its All-America first team, the equipment manufacturer released.

The Bell, Calif., product led the Gamecocks in nine offensive categories, including her .397 batting average, 49 runs, 17 doubles, seven triples and .583 slugging percentage. With 15 offensive marks in the single-season charts from 2013 alone, Garcia’s stellar numbers helped South Carolina to its first postseason berth under third-year head coach Beverly Smith, as the team posted a 34-25 record.

“Samie is certainly deserving of the honor,” said Smith. “She had an outstanding senior campaign at South Carolina, leading us in many major statistical categories. I am proud of Samie for all of her accomplishments and accolades; she is a wonderful representative of Gamecock Softball.”

Garcia earlier earned second-team All-SEC accolades from the league coaches. She becomes the team’s second Easton All-American in history, following Lauren Lackey’s second-team selection in 2012. The first player from Smith’s Gamecock teams to make the National Pro Fastpitch league, Garcia’s NY/NJ Comets play at the USSSA Pride in Orlando, Fla., in a Saturday doubleheader on ESPN3. First pitch is set for 5:30 p.m. EDT.

The Gamecocks have six position starters and two of its top three pitchers returning for the 2014 season.

2013 Easton Fastpitch All-America Teams

First Team
Lindsey Ziegenhirt (California)
Blaire Luna (Texas)
Hannah Rogers (Florida)
Andrea Hawkins (Alabama)
Taylor Hoagland (Texas)
Haylie McCleney (Alabama)
Kayla Braud (Alabama)
BB Bates (UCLA)
Gordy Bravo (BYU)
Jackie Traina (Alabama)
Paige Wilson (Georgia)
Andie Varsho (Purdue)
Lorena Bauer (SDSU)
Samie Garcia (South Carolina)

Second Team
Amy Baker (Creighton)
Kaia Parnaby (Hawaii)
Jolene Henderson (California)
Geri Ann Glasco (Georgia)
Kelsey Stewart (Florida)
Kaylee Puailoa (Georgia)
Khala Taylor (California)
Jillian Andersen (Cal Poly)
Olivia Golden (Mississippi State)
Patrice Jackson (SDSU)
Stephany LaRosa (UCLA)
Ashlie Ortega (Colorado St.)
Sara Flourde (UMass)
JC Clayton (BYU)