Nine Sharks Recognized as Easton/NFCA Scholar All-Americans

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The NFCA released the Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors for the 2022-23 academic year. The Nova Southeastern Sharks placed nine student-athletes on the list and achieved a total team grade-point average of 3.40.    

Student-athletes who achieve a GPA higher than 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale are recognized as NFCA Scholar-Athletes.    

The Sharks that were recognized as Easton/NFCA Scholar All-Americans are Julia Allen, Brianna Baer, Samantha Burke, Alyssa Drogemuller, Elise Eason, Katelyn Ellard, Madison Fine, Ryleigh Langwell, and Kerstyn Shaw

Head Coach Julie LeMaire guided the Sharks to a historic season, finishing the 2023 campaign with a 43-16 record (the program’s most wins since 2010), and the first regional championship in NSU Softball history as well as a World Series berth. 

To stay up-to-date on Sharks Softball, be sure to follow on Instagram and Twitter at @NSU_Softball.  

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2023 Season in Review: Softball

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – The Nova Southeastern Softball team made history this past season. Becoming the first team in program history to win a regional championship and earn a World Series berth, not to mention, the Sharks also eclipsed 40 wins for the first time since 2010. 

The Sharks started the season hot, winning 10 of their first 13 games, scoring five or more runs in 10 of those matches.  

NSU carried that momentum throughout the rest of the season, ending the regular season on a 10-game winning streak. The Sharks finished with a 38-13 overall record, and a 22-8 record in conference play, ranking them third in the conference.  

A couple days later, NSU made a return to the NCAA Tournament, earning the No. 3 seed in the South Region Tournament.  

Nova Southeastern kicked off postseason play with a 10-inning thriller against West Alabama, where they secured a 3-2 victory. NSU then defeated Auburn Montgomery in back-to-back games, securing a spot in the NCAA South Super Regional against the No. 1-seeded Tampa Spartans. 

The Sharks dream season would continue, defeating the Spartans in a three-game series and claiming the program’s first Regional Championship and an appearance at their first NCAA Division II Softball Championship.  

A week later, NSU dropped their World Series Opener against Central Oklahoma. The Sharks returned in the elimination game against East Stroudsburg and battled till the end but unfortunately fell short, ending their historic season.  

Alexis Smith and Alyssa Drogemuller have been leading the charge for NSU all season long. Smith earned All-American honors to go along with several awards this past season. The Tampa native also tabbed a spot on the All-SSC First Team, All-SSC Defensive Team, and All-South Region Fiirst Team. Offensively, she led Nova Southeastern in over eight major offensive categories, while also rewriting NSU record books along the way, breaking the single-season triples record (14), career triples record (17), and the single-season runs scored record (64). Drogemuller has been the Sharks ace, accumulating an impressive 24-9 record and a 1.75 ERA. The junior also added an All-American honor to her shelf, to go along with an All-SSC Second Team selection, and a spot on the All-South Region First Team. The Mokena native had 25 complete games, and 72 strikeouts in 219.2 innings pitched.    

Ryleigh Langwell, Kerstyn Shaw, and Tia Williams also earned All-SSC honors for their impressive performances this past season.  

Although the Sharks dream season didn’t end how they envisioned. Nova Southeastern still made history and left their mark on NSU softball for years to come. Don’t count these Sharks out just yet! 

To stay up-to-date on Sharks Softball, be sure to follow on Instagram and Twitter at @NSU_Softball.    

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Sharks Softball Concludes Season at World Series

CHATTANOOGA, TN. – The Nova Southeastern Softball team concluded their dream season Saturday afternoon. The Sharks were defeated by East Stroudsburg 2-1 in the elimination game. Madison Fine led the Sharks, batting in the lone run for NSU.

Breakdown

Score: Nova Southeastern 1 (L: A. Drogemuller, 24-9) | East Stroudsburg 2 (W: P. Zigmund, 26-6)         
Records: Nova Southeastern (43-16, 22-8 SSC) | East Stroudsburg (44-18)       
Location: Frost Stadium | Chattanooga, TN.         
Get Social: @NSUSharks and @NSUSoftball on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube  

  
How it Happened

BOT 1st | Ryleigh Langwell kicked off the action with a double to left center. Shortly after, Madison Fine brought home the first run of the game with an RBI single. 

TOP 6th | ESU tacked on two runs off back-to-back singles. 

The Sharks were unable to complete the comeback, dropping today’s matchup against the Warriors, concluding their historic season.  
 

What's Next

To stay up-to-date with NSU throughout the offseason, visit NSUSharks.com or follow the Sharks on Instagram and Twitter at @NSU_Softball. 
 

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NSU Drops World Series Opener Against Bronchos

CHATTANOOGA, TN., – The Nova Southeastern Softball team dropped their World Series opener against Central Oklahoma on Thursday afternoon. The Sharks were led by a three-hit, one-RBI performance from Tia Williams.  
 

Breakdown

Score: Nova Southeastern 1 (L: A. Drogemuller, 24-8) | Central Oklahoma 5 (W: T. Ritz, 27-2)        
Records: Nova Southeastern (43-15, 22-8 SSC) | Central Oklahoma (53-7)      
Location: Frost Stadium | Chattanooga,TN.        
Get Social: @NSUSharks and @NSUSoftball on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube 

 
How it Happened

TOP 3rd – Alexis Smith kicked off the inning with a single to the pitcher. Shortly after, Madison Fine was hit by a pitch, putting two runners on base for NSU. Tia Williams then came up to the plate and lined a single to right field, bringing Smith home for the first run of the game. 

BOT 3rd – Central Oklahoma homered to left field, tying the game at one.  

BOT 5th – The Bronchos tacked on four runs, giving themselves a 5-1 lead. 

The Sharks fought valiantly but were unable to complete the comeback, dropping today’s World Series opening round matchup against Central Oklahoma. 

Shark Standouts

What's Next
The Sharks will be back in action on Saturday, May 27th, at 1:30 p.m., against East Stroudsburg. 

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Drogemuller, Smith Earn All-American Honors

LOUISVILLE, KY.- Less than 24 hours before the Nova Southeastern Softball team continued their championship quest, the Sharks had two players named to the All-America team by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). Alexis Smith and Alyssa Drogemuller both tabbed spots on the NFCA All-America Second Team.  

Smith who earned a spot on the All-SSC First Team, All-SSC Defensive Team, and All-South Region First team adds another accolade to her already impressive resume. The Tampa native has been the driving force for the Sharks offensively, leading Nova Southeastern in over eight major offensive categories. The senior has also rewritten the NSU record books along the way, breaking the single-season triples record (14), career triples record (17), and the single-season runs scored record (63).  

Drogemuller has been the Sharks ace, accumulating an impressive 24-7 record and a 1.63 ERA. The junior also adds another honor to her shelf, after earning an All-SSC Second Team selection, and a spot on the All-South Region First Team. The Mokena native has 23 complete games, and 69 strikeouts in 206.2 innings pitched.  

For a complete list of the NFCA All-America awards, click HERE.  
  
As the No. 7 seed in the NCAA Softball Championships, NSU will take on No. 2 seeded Central Oklahoma in the opening round Thursday at 4 p.m. in Chattanooga, TN. For complete coverage, visit NSUSharks.com or follow the Sharks on Instagram and Twitter at @NSU_Softball.  

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Sharks Face Central Oklahoma to Begin NCAA World Series

CHATTANOOGA, TN. – The Nova Southeastern Softball team kicks off action tomorrow at the NCAA DII Softball Championship. After winning the program’s first NCAA South Super Regional championship, NSU looks to carry that momentum into tomorrow’s opening-round matchup. The Sharks will take on #2 seed Central Oklahoma at Frost Stadium in Chattanooga, TN., Thursday, May 25th. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. 
 
NSU earned the No. 7 seed in the tournament and is joined in pool play by No. 3 seed North Georgia (59-6), No. 6 seed East Stroudsburg (43-17) and the No. 2 seed Bronchos. UNG and ESSU play at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. 
  
The other four-team pool consists of top-seeded Texas-Tyler (59-4), fourth-seeded Wilmington (44-14), fifth-seeded Grand Valley State (45-6) and eighth-seeded Cal State-San Marcos (37-19). 
  
The two pool winners meet in a best-of-three finals series May 30-31 to decide the NCAA DII Softball National Champion. 

Coach's Corner

Head Coach Julie LeMaire – I’m so excited for the girls and the opportunity to compete on this stage at the national level. There are so many great teams here and we look forward to a great week of softball. I hope we continue to make history for the NSU softball team! 

Quick Facts

  
Breakdown

The Sharks have won 15 of their last 16 games. Leading the charge in the batting box is Alexis Smith, Smith a First Team All-South Region selection has been batting .412 with 15 doubles, a Division II-leading 14 triples, five homers, 48 RBI and 38 stolen bases. Ryleigh Langwell and Kerstyn Shaw also helped lead the Sharks hitting barrage, batting .389 and .352 respectively.  

In the pitching circle, is none other than the Swiss Army Knife, Alyssa Drogemuller. The Second Team All-South Region Selection has been a force in the circle. Accumulating a 24-7 record, 1.63 ERA, and 69 strikeouts in 206.2 innings. 

Central Oklahoma is spearheaded by their impressive fielding, leading Division II in team defense with a stellar .981 fielding percentage and ranking third in double plays (25). The Bronchos also have six players hitting over .300, Harper (.398). Minter (.364), Ritz (.357), Deramus (.356), Lemos (.332), and Huggins (.318). 

What's Next

The Sharks and Bronchos will open its matchup on Thursday, May 25 at Frost Stadium in Chattanooga, TN. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. 

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Sharks Softball Punches Ticket To NCAA DII World Series

TAMPA, FLA – The Nova Southeastern Softball team makes history and advances to the program’s first NCAA Division II Softball Championship. After starting the day with a 3-0 game-two loss, the Sharks bounced back in a big way in game three. NSU scored two runs in the first inning and never looked back, securing the series win over No. 1 seed Tampa in the NCAA South Super Regional Final.  

Coach's Corner

Head Coach Julie LeMaire – I am so unbelievably proud of this team and what they have accomplished as they continue to rewrite NSU Softball’s History!! The amount of grit, fight, and love this team has for one another makes them so deserving of this Championship. A three-game series against Tampa is never an easy task, they are an incredible team and one that you have to come prepared to play your best games against. Lyss D and Maddie battled as a battery through every inning and every pitch the entire postseason for us and I could not be prouder of their team attitude to put us in the best position possible to advance to the National Tournament! To stand among the final 8 teams in the country is something many will never get to say, and I want each of our young women to embrace and enjoy the ride! I can’t wait to see what this next week brings for this team! 

Breakdown

(GAME TWO) 

Score: Nova Southeastern 0 (L: A. Drogemuller, 23-7) | Tampa 3 (W: G. McGinnis, 12-0)       
Records: Nova Southeastern (42-14, 22-8 SSC) | Tampa (44-4, 28-2)     
Location: Naimoli Family Softball Field | Tampa, Fla.       
Get Social: @NSUSharks and @NSUSoftball on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube 

How it Happened

BOT 7th | The Sharks dropped Game Two as Tampa forced the, if necessary, game. 

Breakdown

(GAME THREE) 

Score: Nova Southeastern 2 (W: A. Drogemuller, 24-7) | Tampa 0 (W: M. Feldman, 7-1)       
Records: Nova Southeastern (43-14, 22-8 SSC) | Tampa (44-5, 28-2)     
Location: Naimoli Family Softball Field | Tampa, Fla.       
Get Social: @NSUSharks and @NSUSoftball on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube 

How it Happened

TOP 1st | Alexis Smith hit a bunt single to put her on 1st base. Shortly after, a sacrifice bunt by Alyssa Drogemuller advanced Smith to second. In the ensuing at-bat, Ryleigh Langwell lined a single up the middle, bringing Alexis Smith home from second. The hit barrage continued, with Madison Fine hitting a single to left field, putting two runners on base for NSU. A fielder’s choice got Langwell out at third but not before Fine advanced to second and Williams safely reached first. Kerstyn Shaw then came up to the plate and singled up the middle, putting another run on the board as Fine came across home plate for NSU.  

Alyssa Drogemuller continued her stellar pitching performance, allowing only two hits and no runs after the 1st inning, ultimately sealing the 2-0 win and a Regional Championship for NSU. 
 

Shark Standouts

What's Next

The Sharks will await the seedings and game times for the NCAA DII World Series, which will be announced early next week. 

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Sharks Take Down Tampa in NCAA Super Regional Opener

TAMPA, FLA. – The Nova Southeastern Softball team extends their win streak to 14 games. A four-run fourth inning propelled NSU to a dominant victory over No. 1 seed Tampa in game one of the NCAA South Super Regional. The Sharks were led by RBIs from Alexis Smith and Alyssa Drogemuller.  

Breakdown

Score: Nova Southeastern 4 (W: A. Drogemuller, 23-6) | Tampa 0 (L: M. Galhouse, 14-4)      
Records: Nova Southeastern (42-13, 22-8 SSC) | Tampa (43-4, 28-2)    
Location: Naimoli Family Softball Field | Tampa, Fla.      
Get Social: @NSUSharks and @NSUSoftball on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube    

How it Happened

TOP 4th | Kerstyn Shaw got the inning started for NSU, hitting a single toward center field. In the ensuing at-bat, Samantha Burke singled up the middle, putting two runners on base for the Sharks. Shortly after, a fielder’s choice allowed Emily Thomas to safely reach first, loading the bases for Nova. Alexis Smith then came up and doubled to left field, bringing two runners across home plate. Alyssa Drogemuller wanted to join the action, hitting an RBI single to right field, tacking on two more runs for the Sharks and extending their lead to 4-0. 

Alyssa Drogemuller secured the shutout, ultimately leading NSU to a game one victory over the Spartans. 
 

Shark Standouts

Alexis Smith and Alyssa Drogemuller both had 2 RBIs. 

What's Next

The Sharks will close their series with the Spartans on Friday, May 19 at the Naimoli Family Softball Field in Tampa, Fla., with the winner advancing to the NCAA Division II Softball Championship. First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m. 

 
 

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Sharks Softball Ready For NCAA Super Regional

TAMPA, FLA – After a stellar performance in last weekend’s South Region II tournament, the Nova Southeastern Softball team looks to ride that momentum into the NCAA Super Regional. The Sharks will take on the #1 seed Tampa at Naimoli Family Softball Field in Tampa, Fla., Thursday, May 18th.  First Pitch is set for 6 p.m. 

Quick Facts

  • The Sharks are currently on a 13-game win streak.  

  • Tampa leads the all-time series 36-25.  

  • The Spartans won the regular season series against NSU, winning two of the three games.  

 
Breakdown

The Sharks are led by their impressive hitting and pitching. In the pitching circle, Alyssa Drogemuller has been the driving force for NSU, pitching in all three games last weekend in the South Region II tournament, and leading NSU to victory in all three. The Mokena native capped off her spectacular weekend, holding AUM to three hits in game three, en route to an NCAA Super Regional berth. The Sharks hitting has been clicking on all cylinders, with new faces stepping up and making big plays. Last weekend, in a 10-inning showdown against West Alabama, an RBI double by Kerstyn Shaw led NSU to a 3-2 victory. A couple days later, Samantha Burke stepped up and batted in the game-winning run for NSU in the South Region II Championship.  

Tampa has been led by a trio of hitters (Camryn Wineinger, Avery Perkins and Lilly Kiester), all of whom rank inside the top-16 averages in the SSC, with batting averages over .345. The Spartans ace is Mariah Galhouse, who owns a 1.23 ERA across 119.2 innings pitched. 

What's Next

The Sharks and Spartans will open their matchup on Thursday, May 18, at Naimoli Family Softball Field in Tampa, Fla. First Pitch is set for 6 p.m. 

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NSU Softball Wins South Region II Championship, Advance to NCAA Super Regional

SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern Softball team makes history, advancing to their first NCAA Super Regional as a Division 2 program. NSU defeated No. 7 seed Auburn Montgomery 1-0 on Saturday afternoon in the South Region II Championship. Samantha Burke was the deciding factor in this postseason matchup, bringing home the lone run for the Sharks. 

Breakdown

Score: Nova Southeastern 1 (W: A. Drogemuller, 22-6) | Auburn Montgomery 0 (L: A. Dickerson, 15-6)     
Records: Nova Southeastern (41-13, 22-8 SSC) | Auburn Montgomery (37-19)     
Location: University Softball Field | Saint Leo, Fla.     
Get Social: @NSUSharks and @NSUSoftball on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube   

How it Happened

BOT 4th | Madison Fine got hit by a pitch, putting a runner on base for NSU. Tia Williams then reached first base safely on a fielder’s choice and Fine was thrown out at second. In the ensuing at-bat, Kerstyn Shaw was walked, advancing Williams to second. With two runners on, Samantha Burke continued her stellar play, hitting an RBI single to center field, bringing Williams across home plate for NSU’s first run.  

After the fourth inning, pitcher Alyssa Drogemuller would go on to hold AUM hitless, securing the South Region II Championship and advancing to the NCAA Super Regional.  

Shark Standouts

  • Samantha Burke had an RBI in back-to-back games. 

  • The Sharks reached their first NCAA Super Regional as a Division 2 program.  

What's Next

Nova Southeastern will take on No. 1 seed Tampa in the NCAA Super Regional, May 18 – 19, at Naimoli Family Softball Field in Tampa, Fla. 

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