South Dakota senior third baseman Aleesia Sainz was named Summit League Softball Player of the Year Tuesday following a vote by the league’s head coaches. Sainz is the first Coyote to earn Summit Player of the Year honors and the third Coyote since 2009 to be named league MVP. She is now a two-time, first-team all-Summit League honoree.
Sainz (Casa Grande, Ariz.) led the Summit with a .420 average and a 1.236 OPS during Summit play. She reached base in 18 of 20 conference games, hit two home runs and was second in the league with 21 RBIs. Defensively, Sainz has more assists than any player in the league this season and was a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.
“Everyone in our program is so proud and excited for Aleesia!” said USD head coach Robert Wagner. “She is deserving of this award in so many ways. She is among the best in the conference both offensively and defensively. She is a threat on the bases. She is our leader.
“Aleesia was clearly our offensive and defensive player of the year and I’m so happy the league recognized her for her accomplishments. It is such an honor for Aleesia and our program.”
In Touch 4/24/24
April 24, 2024
Gene Morsching from Aberdeen Parks and Rec joins us to talk about the upcoming summer registration event…
