July 20, 2007

Baseball, Softball Well Represented on All-State Team

Omaha World Herald Squad

      Kearney, Neb. –  Twelve members of the Nebraska-Kearney softball and baseball teams were recently named to the 2007Omaha World Herald Division II all-state teams.

      Every year, the daily newspaper names all-state teams in several sports for the four NCAA Division II schools in Nebraska (UNK, UNO, Chadron, Wayne). Head coaches from each school, and the OHW sports staff, decide on the teams.

      In baseball, senior second baseman Cody Lusero was named captain of the squad after earning 2^nd-team All-American in honors this past spring. He finished the year at .4440 with 13 HR's and 62 RBI's.

      Joining him on the first team were junior catcher Griff Watson (Omaha), sophomore outfielder Brad Hull (Lincoln) and sophomore outfielder Nate Swearer (Lincoln). Swearer made the team as a utility player.

      Receiving honorable mention honors were junior pitcher Seth Svoboda (Kearney) and freshman closer Nick Hall (Lincoln).

      UNK went 33-24 in 2007, winning the RMAC Tournament and making the NCAA West Regional.

      On the softball diamond, five Lopers made the first team. They were senior second baseman Danya Cole (Abilene, Kans.), junior pitcher Amanda Bell (Ft. Collins, Colo.), junior catcher Molly Langerak (Erie, Colo.), junior outfielder Skye Wakefield (Bellevue) and sophomore designated player Ashley Guyle (Mead).

      Senior third baseman Allison Sinnett (Omaha) received honorable mention honors with UNO slugger Leslie Svoboda named captain of the  team.

      The 2007 Lopers posted a 28-17 (22-13 RMAC) record with Bell earning RMAC Pitcher of the Year honors and Langerak being named All-South Central Region.

      To see the complete teams, go to: www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1200&u_sid=10080118