May 10, 2006

Younngstown, Ohio-Four UIC softball players were honored at the annual league softball banquet on Wednesday, May 10 in Youngstown, Ohio with freshman Sarah Clynes named the 2006 Horizon League Newcomer of the Year.

Senior Joyce Cathey earned All-Horizon League First Team accolades, making Cathey a four-time recipient after the shortstop was named to the all-newcomer squad in 2003.

In addition to Newcomer of the Year honors, Clynes was joined by fellow freshman Melissa Marinacci on the All-Horizon League Newcomer Team. Clynes, UIC's leading pitcher, was also named to the All-Horizon League Second Team alongside sophomore second baseman Nicole Robinson.

After a standout rookie season, Clynes joins current junior Liz Jacoby as the second UIC player to receive Newcomer of the Year accolades. Clynes earned spots on three all-league teams this season after posting an 8-1 record with a 2.11 ERA, one save and 51 strikeouts in conference contests.

The St. Louis, Mo. native not only guided UIC in the circle, she also helped pace the Flames at the plate. The freshman ranks second on the team with a .339 batting average (21 of 62), while owning 14 runs, 21 hits, four doubles and 12 RBI as a freshman against conference foes. In the league, Clynes ranks in six of 11 offensive categories at the end of regular-season action.

A four-time all-league recipient, senior Joyce Cathey continued to dominate on offense for UIC in 2006 with her third straight All-Horizon League First Team honors. Cathey paces the Flames, batting .355 (22 of 62), while also leading UIC with 16 runs, 22 hits, three triples and two home runs in league contests this season.

Robinson, who was an all-newcomer team member in 2005, earned a spot on the All-Horizon League Second Team after posting a career-best .328 batting average (22 of 67) in conference games. Overall, Robinson leads the Flames with 35 RBI, ranking first in the league.

Joining Clynes with an impressive rookie campaign is California native Melissa Marinacci. The freshman third baseman posted a .311 batting average (14 of 45) in Horizon League showdowns with three doubles and two home runs.

After clinching the 2006 Horizon League Regular-Season title, the Flames vie for the tournament trophy with their first matchup on Thursday, May 11 when #1 UIC faces #8 Butler at Canfield Park in Ohio at 4 p.m. (EST).