BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic University centerfielder Kaitlyn Cunningham has been named to the Conference USA All-Freshman softball team, announced by the C-USA on Tuesday.
Cunningham served as the Owls’ leadoff hitter and led the team in average much of her freshman campaign, ultimately finishing second on the squad with a .289 average. The speedster did lead the Owls with six stolen bases, in 10 attempts, but more impressively she belted a team-high five triples which currently ranks the Boca Raton native 15th nationally in total and 31st per game. She added five doubles, tied for second on the team, and had one homer. Cunningham ended the year with nine multi-hit games, including her best offensive outing when she went 3-for-4 versus in-state and league foe FIU. She recorded at least one hit in 29 of 43 games played, or 67%.
Cunningham proved to be more than an offensive threat in the lineup as a freshman, as her defense while roaming the outfield was exemplified by throwing out two baserunners at home in the sixth inning of a 2-2 game versus Illinois State. In the team’s final 2021 conference series, she also turned the rare double play from center by making the catch and throwing out a runner attempting to score. She ended the year with six assists and had an outfield-leading 72 defensive chances and 63 putouts.
WHAT’S NEXTThe Owls will turn their attention to the 2022 campaign with more than 75% of the 2021 roster returning, including 70% of the starting lineup. To follow the team socially, visit @fausoftball, or for the most up-to-date information go to www.fausports.com.
