BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | Alabama State grabbed nine first place votes and was tabbed by the Southwestern Athletic Conference's (SWAC) Sports Information Directors and Head Coaches as the favorite in the Eastern Division.
The Lady Hornets, seeking their fifth straight appearance in the tournament championship, edged out Alcorn State by a vote tally of 82 – 75. In the Western Division, defending 2018 Western Division Champion Texas Southern and 2018 SWAC Softball Tournament Champion Prairie View A&M project as co-favorites.
Junior
Justine Jean grabbed Preseason Pitcher of the Year honors following a stellar sophomore campaign when she led the league in innings pitched (165.1), strikeouts (101) and wins (12). Jean, a first team All-SWAC member, is joined by four other Alabama State players who earned All-SWAC nods.
Kristin Gunter garnered a spot on the first-team at third base. The Pensacola, Fla. native launched 42 hits, 10 doubles, one triple and two home runs while driving in 21 runs in 2018. She had seven multiple-hit games, including two, three-hit contests (Fort Wayne, UMES). She also was stellar defensively, fielding at a .940 clip that included 97 assists and just 10 errors from her third base position.
Amira James (outfield) and
Charlene Castro (designated player) were also awarded spots on the first-team. James hit at a .283 clip in 2018 and racked up 36 hits, including six doubles, four triples and four home runs en route to a team-leading .488 slugging percentage. Castro hit .295 across 49 games played, drilling 38 hits, including 10 doubles and a team leading five home runs. She only had eight strikeouts in 129 at bats, posting an OBP of .401. The Natalia, Texas native had 13 games with at least three hits.
Kaylee Davis (outfield) was a second-team selection. She led Alabama State in 2018 with a .341 batting average, collecting 46 hits in 135 at bats. She also had 14 stolen bases in 18 attempts.
Alabama State opens its season in 14 days (February 8) against N.C. Central at the Southern University tournament in Baton Rouge, La.
Follow the Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State University softball, follow the Hornets on social media @BamaStateSB (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State athletics at BamaStateSports.com.
