Christopher Newport University Athletics

EMORY, VA – Christopher Newport softball player Jessie Atkinson was named the State’s College Division Player of the Year, the Virginia Sports Information Directors announced Wednesday.

Atkinson, a sophomore third baseman from Mechanicsville, VA, set a new school record of 14 home runs, smashing the previous record of nine. She hit .365 with 42 hits, 24 runs, nine doubles and 44 RBI. She was a First Team All-USA South selection and named to the USA South’s All-Tournament team. Atkinson was also named First Team All-American by the National Fastpitch Coaches Associations. She was also named First Team All-State.

Joining Atkinson on the first team were Taylor Morgan, Ashley Mani, and Kristen Rowe.

Morgan, the USA South’s Player of the Year, hit .439 with a team-high 47 hits. She also scored 17 runs, led the squad with 12 doubles, hit one home run and drove in 28. She was a First Team All-USA South pick and was a First Team All-American selection by the NFCA.

Mani hit .385 with 42 hits, 32 runs, eight doubles, two triples, five home runs, 33 RBI and also stole 11 bases. She was named First Team All-USA South and was also selected to the USA South’s All-Tournament squad.

Rowe was dominant in the circle in her junior season. She finished 20-4 with a 1.98 ERA, and 14 complete games. She struck out 133 in 138 innings pitched and also recorded two saves, setting the national record for saves in a season. Rowe was a First Team All-USA South choice and was the Most Valuable Player at the USA South Tournament.

Taking home Second Team accolades were Katie Moyers and Mary Kennedy.

Moyers, a senior second baseman, hit .355 with 44 hits, 27 runs, nine doubles, three home runs and 28 RBI. She walked 11 times and stole six bases. She was named First Team All-USA South.

Kennedy, a junior shortstop, hit .352 with 44 hits, 29 runs, one double and drove in 14. She led the Captains with 21 steals in 22 chances. Kennedy was also a First Team All-Conference selection.