LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association released the names of eight finalists for the 2018 Schutt Sports / NFCA Division II National Freshman of the Year, a list that includes Augustana freshman Ashley Mickschl.
 
The list of eight represents one finalist from each of the eight regions, and the NFCA announces the winner on Wednesday, May 23 at the NCAA Division II Softball Championship Banquet in Salem, Va.
 
All eight finalists earned freshman of the year in their respective conference's, while seven garnered NFCA All-Region recognition, including Mickschl, who led the Vikings with a 20-8 record in the circle over 35 appearances in 2018, including 31 starts and 17 complete games. She pitched a total of 179.2 innings, and finished the season with 137 strikeouts and 53 walks.
 
Offensively, she posted a team-high .429 batting average, with 79 hits in 184 at-bats, with 10 doubles, a triple, eight home runs and 44 RBI. She also stole 23 bases during the season.
 
Mickschl, who led the Vikings to the NCAA Central Regional tournament, also earned NFCA First Team All-Region, D2CCA All-Central Region Second Team, NSIC Freshman of the Year, All-NSIC First Team and All-NSIC Tournament Team honors during her freshman campaign.
 
2018 Schutt Sports/NFCA DII National Freshman of the Year Finalists
Georgia Capell, DP, Tarleton State
Miranda Gajewski, P/UT, McKendree
Emily Harris, IF, Young Harris
Lauryn King, OF, West Virginia Wesleyan
Breana Klaiber, 3B, LIU Post
Ashley Mickschl, P/IF, Augustana
Callie Nunes, P, Concordia Irvine
Alley Taylor, SS, West Georgia
 
Past winners
2017- Autumn Humes, Harding
2016 – Charlotte Romero, Colorado Christian
2015 – Janessa Bassett, Dixie State