SouthtownStar Athletes on Campus: Sarah Budz is Dominican’s best

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Sarah Budz, a Dominican University softball player, is a Providence High School alum. | Supplied photo

Updated: October 31, 2011 11:05AM

Dominican University second baseman Sarah Budz was named the Player of the Year in women’s softball by the Northern Athletics Conference.

Budz, who prepped at Providence, guided the Stars in a variety of offensive categories this season, finishing first in batting average (.485), runs (52), doubles (12), triples (5), home runs (11), RBI (53) and stolen bases (22).

In addition, Budz also was selected to the 2011 Capital One Academic All-America Softball Team, getting a spot on the College Division Second Team. The teams, voted on by the College Sports Information Directors of America, require a minimum 3.30 grade-point average to be eligible while serving on a varsity team as a starter or key reserve. Budz, a nutrition and dietetics major, boasts a 3.78 cumulative GPA.

The junior also was honored as the Dominican University Department of Athletics’ Female Athlete of the Year, as voted on by the department’s staff and coaches. The Orland Park resident earned the award as a result of her success in softball and basketball.

“Sarah is the student-athlete that every coach dreams of having on their team,” Dominican softball coach Cristina Lukas said in a statement. “She excels as a two-sport athlete and in the classroom. Her character, competitiveness and work ethic make her a role model for her teammates, as well as a leader in the Dominican community.”

Get the NAC

Along with Budz, three other Southland residents were chosen to the 2011 All-NAC First Team in women’s softball.

Benedictine first baseman Cassie Cappetto (Marist) batted .401 with 37 runs, 16 doubles, one triple, three homers, 47 RBI and 10 stolen bases. Her teammate, junior shortstop Brittany Wolski (Sandburg), hit .436 with 53 runs, 10 doubles, two triples, one homer, 25 RBI and 44 stolen bases in 51 attempts.

Aurora University’s Brooke Spencer (Sandburg) batted .480 with 49 runs, 12 doubles, a triple, 14 homers, 49 RBI and seven stolen bases.

Making the second team were Dominican junior pitcher Jori Cicale (Marian Catholic) and Milwaukee School of Engineering sophomore outfielder Julie Windish (Marian Catholic).

Cicale was 10-7 with a 4.15 ERA. She made 24 appearances (20 starts) with 13 complete games, three shutouts and one save. In 116„ innings, Cicale struck out 121 and walked 34. Windish hit .413 with 18 runs, four doubles, two triples and 13 RBI.

Earning places on the All-NAC Honorable Mention and All-Freshman Teams were Lakeland designated player Samantha Janc (Shepard) and Dominican outfielder Beth Santor (Richards).

Janc hit .350 with 23 runs, 26 RBI, 16 doubles, one triple and two homers. Santor hit .361 with 22 RBI, 21 runs and 14 stolen bases.

Get the NAC II

Two Southland residents were given postseason plaudits by the Northern Athletics Conference for the 2011 baseball season. Making the All-NAC honorable mention team were Wisconsin Lutheran senior shortstop Justin Barkhurst (Illinois Lutheran) and Benedictine University sophomore pitcher Kevin Crowley (De La Salle).

Barkhurst hit a team-best .346 this season with 33 runs, 32 RBI and 10 doubles. He was second in runs and RBI and tied for third in doubles.

Crowley was 4-0 with a 3.49 ERA. He made 11 appearances (4 starts) and tossed one complete game. In 38‰ innings, he struck out 37 while walking 16.