Two national awards were announced on Tuesday, and Arizona pitcher/infielder Devyn Netz was in the mix for both. Netz earned her second First Team All-American honor of the season, getting the designation by D1 Softball this week after getting it from Softball America last week.
The redshirt senior joined junior outfielder Dakota Kennedy, junior shortstop Tayler Biehl, and grad student pitcher/infielder Miranda Stoddard on the CSC Academic All-District team. The organization of college sports communication professionals also announced its awards on Tuesday. Some of those named all-district will advance to consideration for Academic All-America status, including Netz, Kennedy, and Stoddard.
Netz was Arizona’s leader in innings pitched (152.1), pitching wins (22), complete games (7), pitching appearances (36), strikeouts (118), walks per IP (0.14), and WHIP (0.94) this season. She was second in ERA (2.25) and tied for second in opponents’ batting average (.213). As a hitter, she was second on the team in home runs with 19. She committed just one error all season while pitching and playing first base.
On the academic side, Netz graduated with a 3.546 GPA in physiology and medical sciences. It is the second time she has been selected for the district All-Academic team. She was also named Big 12 Player of the Year, Big 12 All-Defensive Team, Big 12 First Team, and NFCA All-West Region First Team.
Stoddard was first on the team with 22 games started and a 1.73 ERA. She went 15-0 in the circle. She was second on the team in innings pitched (105), pitching wins (15), strikeouts (48), walks per IP (0.16), and WHIP (1.11). As a hitter, she finished second in OPS (1.276), third in home runs (15), and fourth in walks (27).
Stoddard carries a 3.50 GPA while pursuing a master’s degree in public policy. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Kentucky.
Stoddard is earning her first district All-Academic honor. She was named to the All-Big 12 First Team and NFCA All-West Region Second Team.
Kennedy was injured for part of the season but still had a big impact on the Wildcats’ success. While her injury kept her from having qualifying stats as far as the NCAA is concerned, Arizona’s leadoff hitter was first on the Wildcats in batting average (.444), second in on-base percentage (.539), second in OPS (1.228), third in walks (28), and third in stolen bases (7). The left fielder committed no errors on defense for the second straight season.
Kennedy has a 4.00 GPA in criminal justice studies. She is earning her second straight district All-Academic honor. She was also named All-Big 12 First Team, Big 12 All-Defensive, and NFCA All-West Region First Team.
Biehl has spent most of her three years as Arizona’s starting shortstop, although she also played right field and was the backup catcher her freshman year. The junior led Arizona with 142 assists, placing second in the Big 12. Offensively, she was second with nine stolen bases. She was the only Wildcat with more than one attempt to go perfect on steals.
Biehl also has a 4.00 GPA. She majors in nutritional sciences. This is her second consecutive district All-Academic selection.
Lead photo by Ryan Kelapire