Rock Valley's Ashton Melaas named DIII Pitcher of the Year
Charlotte, NC - Rock Valley (IL) pitcher Ashton Melaas has been named the 2021 NJCAA Division III Softball Pitcher of the Year, presented by the Marines.
The sophomore pitcher was dominant from day one for the national champion Golden Eagles. She finished the year with 26 appearances, 23 starts, a 19-3 W/L record, 2.42 ERA, and 170 strikeouts. Melaas helped lead Rock Valley to a 51-7 record, an NJCAA DIII Midwest District Championship, and an NJCAA DIII Softball National Title.
Rock Valley entered the national tournament as the No. 1 seed, and she saw three appearances during the tournament. During the tournament, she threw 18.2 innings, while only allowing two earned runs, eight hits, and striking out 16 batters. She took the circle for the championship game against No. 2 Corning and threw for 6.2 IP, six strikeouts, and only allowing six hits.
Melaas will continue her collegiate career at Stony Brook University in the American East conference.
Rock Valley Head Softball Coach Darin Monroe on Melaas
-
"Ashton was a huge reason for the success of our team this season. She is a pitcher who brings her best in big games and elevated her teammates as well. We are proud of the career she had at RVC and can't wait to watch her next year at NCAA D1 Stony Brook University."
2020-21 Statistics
- 26 appearances
- 23 games stated
- 19-3 W/L
- 133 IP
- 2.42 ERA
- 170 K
2020-21 Accomplishments
- NJCAA Midwest District Champion
- NJCAA DIII Softball National Champion
- 2021 NJCAA National Tournament's Most Outstanding Pitcher
- 2021 NJCAA Division III Softball First Team All-American
- 2021 Region 4 Division III All-Tournament Team
- Schutt Sports/NFCA National Pitcher of the Year
