FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern softball team had two players earn 2017 All-Sunshine State Conference honors, as announced Tuesday afternoon. Dana Edmundson was named an All-SSC First Team outfielder, while Dakota Villella grabbed a spot on the All-SSC Second Team as a second baseman.
 
In her first year as a Shark, Edmundson proved her strength immediately. The junior transfer from Panama City, Fla. led the team in multiple categories, including batting average (.352), hits (58), runs (36), RBI (29) and total bases (101). She also leads in home runs with 10 and her .612 slugging percentage, both good enough for second place in the league. On Mar. 6, Edmundson earned SSC Player of the Week honors after hitting .500 against No. 8 Saint Leo as the Sharks took the series 2-1.
 
"Dana is a tremendous athlete and leader both on and off the field and is very deserving of this recognition," boasted head coach Julie LeMaire. "We are extremely fortunate to have her as a standout player for us on both sides of the ball as we continue to improve as a program. Whether it be a leadoff homerun or spectacular diving catch, she is a player to always have your eye on. "
 
One of two seniors for the Sharks in 2017, Villella earns her first post-season award. The Hollywood, Fla. native was second on the team with her .301 batting average, as well as her 23 runs scored and 44 total hits. Her 28 stolen bases this season not only were the most on the team, but also serve as the most tallied by a Shark in the past seven seasons and rank her third in the SSC. In her four years as a Shark, Villella has inked her name in the NSU record books multiple times, with some of the most impressive coming from her defense. From her 448 career assists and 32 double plays turned, Dakota ranks second all-time in both categories.  
 
"We are very excited Dakota was recognized for her hard work and efforts on the field during her senior year," explained LeMaire. "Her defensive leadership and go-hard style of play is something that was hard to miss. She truly will leave the jersey in a better place for the future of NSU Shark Softball and we are extremely proud of her leadership and dedication this season."
 
Both players, as well as other teammates, will be eligible for All-South Region distinction later this spring.


Player of the Year = Kacie Kelly, Saint Leo
Pitcher of the Year = Stephanie Adkins, Saint Leo
Freshman of the Year = Kacie Kelly, Saint Leo
Coach of the Year = Erin Kinberger, Saint Leo & Leslie Kanter, Tampa
 

2017 All-SSC Softball First Team
Pos.	Name	School	Yr.	Hometown
1B	Jasmine Harris	Barry	Sr.	Miami, Fla.
2B	Kacie Kelly	Saint Leo	Fr.	Jacksonville, Fla.
3B	Ciera Schumaker	Saint Leo	Jr.	Titusville, Fla.
SS	Karolina Flores	Lynn	Fr.	Moreno Valley, Calif.
C	Madison VonHagel	Barry	Jr.	Mckinney, Texas
UT	Bre Setree	Tampa	Sr.	St. Petersburg, Fla
DP	Alex Mace	Florida Southern	Fr.	Winter Haven, Fla.
AL	Brianne Lint	Rollins	Jr.	Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
OF	Dana Edmundson	Nova Southeastern	Jr.	Panama City, Fla.
OF	Shannon Bell	Florida Southern	Jr.	Plant City, Fla.
OF	Alayna Gallagher	Barry	Jr.	Safety Harbor, Fla.
OF	Rachael Heath	Saint Leo	Sr.	Zephyrhills, Fla.
P	Stephanie Adkins	Saint Leo	Sr.	Orlando, Fla.
P	Makaleigh Dooley	Tampa	So.	Tampa, Fla.
2017 All-SSC Softball Second Team
Pos.	Name	School	Yr.	Hometown
1B	Hailee Keisling	Rollins	Sr.	Safety Harbor, Fla.
2B	Dakota Villella	Nova Southeastern	Sr.	Hollywood, Fla.
3B	Erica Morrissey	Florida Southern	Sr.	Lakeland, Fla.
AL	Victoria Rios	Lynn	So.	Miami, Fla.
SS	Cheyanne Head	Barry	Sr.	Surrey, B.C.
C	Zierra Flodman	Florida Southern	So.	Eagle, Neb.
UT	Danielle Bottley	Saint Leo	Sr.	Stockton, Calif.
OF	Chelsea Reed	Rollins	Sr.	Lake Mary, Fla.
OF	Sarah Harrison	Rollins	Fr.	Geneva, Fla.
OF	Lynsey Duncan	Barry	Fr.	Gilbert, Ariz.
OF	Desirae Klumpp	Florida Southern	So.	Ontario, Canada
P	Kayla Sheffield	Lynn	Fr.	Auburndale, Fla.
P	Alison Mitts	Saint Leo	Jr.	Belleville, Ill.
2017 All-SSC Softball Honorable Mention
Pos.	Name	School	Yr.	Hometown
OF	Elly Pillers	Tampa	Jr.	Tampa, Fla.