Bieber, Scheeler, Lesher & Wehr Earn 2019 NFCA All-Atlantic Region Honors
LOUISVILLE, Ky. --- Moravian College sophomore shortstop Maddisen Bieber and freshman pitcher/designated player Alexandria Scheeler have been named to the 2019 National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III All-Atlantic Region Second Team while junior pitcher Paige Lesher and sophomore catcher Brooke Wehr earned spots on the All-Region Third Team.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. --- Moravian College sophomore shortstop Maddisen Bieber and freshman pitcher/designated player Alexandria Scheeler have been named to the 2019 National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III All-Atlantic Region Second Team while junior pitcher Paige Lesher and sophomore catcher Brooke Wehr earned spots on the All-Region Third Team.
All-Region players are nominated and selected by NFCA member coaches in each of the eight Division III regions. First Team All-Region choices are eligible for selection to the NFCA All-America team, which will be announced the evening of May 22 online at www.NFCA.org and in person at the NCAA Division III Championship banquet in Tyler, Texas.
The Greyhounds finished the 2019 season with a 32-7 overall record under the direction of 26-year Head Coach John Byrne, who as a career mark of 854-248 and has now coached 91 NFCA All-Region players. Moravian was 11-1 in the Landmark Conference regular season as the Hounds reached the postseason for the 25th consecutive spring, hosting the Landmark Conference Tournament for the eighth time.
Bieber, who was also selected as the 2019 Landmark Conference Player of the Year and to the Landmark All-Conference First Team, led the Greyhounds with a .487 batting average this spring to go with 58 hits, 33 runs, 10 doubles, one home run, 19 RBIs, a .531 on-base percentage and a .597 slugging percentage. She also had 65 putouts and 112 assists in the field this spring. Bieber was an at-large selection on the All-Region Second Team.
"Maddisen had a tremendous sophomore campaign, and it shows with the postseason awards she is receiving," stated Byrne. "She really stepped up for us this season both offensively and in the field, and Maddison has shown a great work ethic and softball IQ. We're excited to have her for another two years."
Scheeler, who was named the 2019 Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year and to the All-Conference Second Team as a utility player, hit .474 in her debut season with 54 hits, 21 runs, 14 doubles, a triple, a homer and 37 RBIs, and she was also 12-4 in the circle with a 2.21 ERA, two shutouts and 39 strikeouts in 107.2 innings. Scheeler was selected to the All-Region squad at the utility position.
"Alex had an excellent debut season in the circle and at the plate," Byrne said. "She has a lot of talent, and also brings a strong work ethic with a competitive edge to the field. One of the best things is that we have her for three more years."
Lesher, who was the 2019 Landmark Conference Pitcher of the Year and an All-Conference First Team honoree, posted a 16-1 mark in the circle this spring in her first year as a starting pitcher. Lesher posted a 1.56 ERA to go with three shutouts, 34 strikeouts in 103 innings of action.
"Paige has had an outstanding year in the circle," commented Byrne. "She was consistent all spring with her approach and control. We look forward to seeing what she can do with her senior year next season."
Wehr, who made the All-Atlantic Region Third Team for the second consecutive spring, posted a .385 average, 52 hits, 44 runs, seven doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 30 RBIs while missing the Landmark Conference Tournament due to an injury. Wehr, who made the Landmark All-Conference First Team as a catcher in 2019 and an outfielder in 2018, and Lesher were both at-large selections to the All-Region Third Team which is made up of the top remaining 15 players receiving votes after the First and Second Teams are determined.
"Brooke had another tremendous year in our program while transitioning from the outfield to catcher," noted Byrne. "She has continued to hit for power and helps give us a lead early in games a number of times this season. We're excited to have her for two more years."
To view the entire 2019 NFCA Division III All-Region Teams, visit https://nfca.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8187:nfca-ncaa-division-iii-2019-all-region-teams-revealed&catid=148&Itemid=149.
