AMERICUS- The numerous records set this past season proved to be the top Hurricane Highlight of the 2013 Georgia Southwestern softball season.
The Lady Hurricanes earned a program-most nine Peach Belt Conference victories to earn a seventh place finish in the PBC. The best finish in GSW's seventh season as a conference member.
With that, GSW qualified for the conference tournament for the first time since 2009 and the first since the championship was narrowed to the top eight conference teams.
Statistically, the 2013 squad broke several team records both offensive, defensively, and on the mound.
Offensively, this year's team produced many firsts at the plate.
Southwestern led the Peach Belt Conference this season with 411 hits, smashing the previous program NCAA-era record of 338 set in 2011. In addition, GSW led the PBC in doubles finishing with 73 on the year.
The Lady 'Canes ranked third in the Peach Belt with NCAA-era bests in both runs scored (248) and runs batted in (221).
The long ball proved to be essential for the Lady 'Canes as GSW hit an NCAA-era record 27 homeruns on the season. Third baseman Jordan Miller's eight slams led Southwestern's aerial assault while catcher Nellie Moore finished with seven homers for the Blue & Gold.
Led by Mason Moreland's 31 thefts, good for second best in the Peach Belt Conference, GSW finished with an NCAA-era most 55 stolen bases on the season.
Overall, the 2013 squad set new NCAA-era program records in both hitting percentage (.248) and slugging percentage (.396).
On the mound, GSW's pitchers were led individually by junior Allison Pastor who earned the most wins (13) for the Lady 'Canes in 159.2 innings pitched.
As a team, NCAA-era bests were set in strikeouts with 237, along with shutout efforts (8) and complete games (31).
Led by two All-Peach Belt Conference performances by outfielders Hayley Knight and Rachel McElroy, GSW set an NCAA-era record in putouts with 1,057 on the season.
On Friday, the top Hurricane Highlight of the 2012-13 GSW golf season will be revealed.