DePaul University Athletics
Heteniak, Morocco, Brown Selected to All-Region Team
5/20/2010 12:00:00 AM | SOFTBALL
COLUMBIA, Mo. - DePaul had just finished its NCAA regional practice Thursday afternoon when Becca Heteniak, Alex Morocco and Bree Brown found out they had been named to the Louisville Slugger/NFC A All-Region Team.
All three were selected for the Great Lakes Region Second Team co-sponsored by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
"It's an honor to be recognized for your achievements," said Heteniak, who made All-Region for the fourth year in a row. "The three of us making it is a nice tribute to our team. All of our coaches and my teammates have been a big part of my success."
Heteniak was chosen at utility/pitcher while Morocco made it as an outfielder and Brown as a pitcher. This was the first All-Region selection for Morocco and Brown.
"It means that all my hard work has paid off," said Morocco, who leads the Blue Demons in hits with 50 and is second on the team in batting average (.331), doubles (nine) and tied for second in runs scored (31).
"This has been my best season at DePaul, and it's because I'm more focused and putting in a lot more extra work. It's great our team has been getting so many awards."
DePaul brought home 10 trophies from last week's BIG EAST Conference awards banquet in Louisville, Ky.
"It's really exciting, and I'm very honored," said Brown, who is 16-5 with a 2.43 earned-run average and is 9-1 since April 17. "I've had a good season because I'm learning from seniors like Becca , and because my teammates have been backing me up all the time."
It's not often that two pitchers from the same team make the All-Region team.
"That shows what a strong pitching staff we have this year," Brown said. "That can take us a long way."
The contrasting styles of Heteniak and Brown keep opponents off-balance.
"We complement each other well," said Heteniak who is 20-9 with a 1.77 ERA and is 12-1 since March 30. "We specialize in different pitches and Bree has more spin.
"Bree has come in as a freshman and really done well. Having another strong pitcher is really beneficial."
Heteniak recalled last year's NCAA Regional right here in Columbia when DePaul fell into the loser's bracket and she had to pitch two games in one day.
"With the two of us, we're able to take the stress off one another," Heteniak said. "Bree has done a phenomenal job pitching, and I know she'll step it up in the regionals."
DePaul (38-16) opens up against No. 17 Illinois (43-6) at 4 p.m. on Friday. A victory sends the Blue Demons into the noon game on Saturday against the winner of No. 14 Missouri (46-11) versus Creighton (37-21).
