Contact: Nathan Cameron, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications, 563-588-7243

May 20, 2022 - The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) released their finalists for the 2022 Schutt Sports/NFCA Division III National Freshman of the Year award, seeing the Loras College softball team's standout freshman right-hander Ashlyn Hemm land as one of 10 finalists announced. The top 10 is comprised of a student-athlete from each of the 10 NCAA Division III softball regions with Hemm representing Loras in Region IX. 

The honor comes as yet another accolade for the freshman hurler after a stellar season in the circle for the Duhawks. Earlier this week, Hemm reeled in All-Region First Team honors after being named to the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) All-Conference First Team. The Port Byron, Ill. native reworked the Loras Softball history books this season, setting the single season strikeouts record (214) and the single game strikeout record (20) while combining for a no-hitter on Feb. 24, 2022 against Edgewood College. In 145.2 innings pitched, the freshman recorded a 1.49 ERA with 14 complete games. Hemm's dominance in the circle saw her be named A-R-C Pitcher of the Week five times on the year while being named National Pitcher of the Week by the NFCA on Mar. 22, the same day the Duhawks received their first-ever national ranking by the NFCA, clocking in at No. 25 and climbing as high as No. 22 on Apr. 5. 

Hemm remains in the running for All-American status by the association, which will be announced on May 24 while the winner of the Freshman of the Year award will be released on May 26.