AMERICUS, Ga. – Georgia Southwestern State University softball player Hayley Tierce has been named a finalist for the 2016 Schutt Sports / National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division II National Freshman of the Year Award.

The Warner Robins, Ga., native hit .392 with 58 hits, 35 runs, 12 doubles, 16 home runs and 51 RBIs this spring. She led the Peach Belt Conference in home runs during the regular season, was second in RBIs, slugging percentage and total bases and ranked seventh in batting average. In addition, she set the school record for most home runs in a season.

Tierce was named the 2016 Peach Belt Freshman of the Year and selected to the NFCA All-Southeast Region First Team.

There is one finalist from each of the eight NCAA regions and the award winner will be announced on Monday, May 16.

This year's eight finalists include seven league freshmen of the year and one pitcher of the year.

Behind the collaboration between the NFCA and its Division II Head Coaches Committee, the award was created in 2015 to honor the outstanding athletic achievement among freshmen softball student-athletes throughout Division II. This year's winner will join inaugural Schutt Sports / NFCA DII National Freshman of the Year, Janessa Bassett of Dixie State.

NFCA Division II National Freshman of the Year

Finalists
Taylor Winkelman – Bloomsburg – Utility
McKenzie Paap – Minnesota State – Outfield
Hannah Olshevski – LIU Post – Pitcher
Christa Reisinger – Truman State – Outfield
Morgan Kazerooni – Delta State – First Base
Charlotte Romero – Colorado Christian – Second Base
Hayley Tierce – Georgia Southwestern – Third Base
Maddy Lewis – UC San Diego – Third Base