PR2012 Apr 5

Thursday

Apr 5, 2012 at 12:01 AM

Shelton's Hanson Wins National Award

Mollie Hanson, a freshman pitcher for the Shelton State Community College softball team, has been chosen as the National Division I Pitcher of the Week by the National Junior College Athletic Association.

TUSCALOOSA | Mollie Hanson, a freshman pitcher for the Shelton State Community College softball team, has been chosen as the National Division I Pitcher of the Week by the National Junior College Athletic Association.

“I knew when I nominated her she had a chance to win it,” Shelton State coach Buddy Boyle said. “We were checking the stats (on the NJCAA website) and happened to see it up there. She reacted like she does when she pitches, very calm. It’s always business as usual with Mollie.”

Hanson, a right-hander from Dothan, posted three wins last week for the Lady Buccaneers, who are tied for the No. 20 spot in the latest NJCAA poll. Shelton State was in the receiving votes category in the previous poll.

In earning the national honor, Hanson recorded 15 shutout innings, allowing eight hits and one walk. She finished the week with 20 strikeouts.

Boyle said Hanson had four strikeouts against Wallace State of Dothan, eight against Gadsden State and eight in three innings against Meridian, Miss.

“She’s outstanding,” Boyle said. “Even though she’s only a freshman, she’s already committed to Samford.

“Mollie does a great job of mixing her pitches well. She’s walked only nine people all season, so she’s a great control pitcher. She’s got really good stuff and can throw the curveball, drop, rise and changeup.”

Boyle said Hanson has a 13-4 record with a 0.92 ERA and 106 strikeouts.

Shelton State (30-7) was scheduled to play Huntingdon College in Montgomery today, but the doubleheader was postponed until April 18 because of the threat of severe weather. 

The Lady Buccaneers will play in Marion on Saturday, facing Marion Military Institute in a doubleheader that starts at 1 p.m.