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Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

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Softball

Cardinals' Carter, Betzold named NFCA All-Region Third Team

Donny Nadeau, SMU Sports Information Director

SMU's Paige Carter (left) and Mallory Betzold were named to the NFCA All-Midwest Region Third Team, it was announced May 11
Complete NFCA All-Region Teams

WINONA, Minn. — For the first time in Mallory Betzold's (Farmington, Minn.) four-year collegiate career, the Saint Mary's University fastpitch softball team qualified for the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament in 2011.

The SMU senior enjoyed another collegiate first in her final year in a Cardinal uniform, as she was named to the NFCA Division III All-Midwest Region Third Team, it was announced Thursday, May 11.

And Betzold wasn't alone in the post-season spotlight, as sophomore Paige Carter (Rosemount, Minn.) was also named to the All-Region Third Team.

Carter and Betzold were the offensive sparkplugs for the Cardinals this season, helping guide SMU to a 23-16 overall record — SMU's first 20-win season since 2007 — and a third-place finish in the conference standings.

Carter got off to a roaring start this season, hitting .375 with three home runs — including two grand slams — and 17 RBIs in the Cardinals' first 10 games.

And there was no signs of slowing down over the team's final 29 games, as the sophomore outfielder closed out the year with a team-leading .413 batting average, while also leading the squad in hits (52), doubles (14), RBIs (35) and total bases (78). She put together a season-high 11-game hitting streak, had a hit in 20 of the team's 29 games, and had two or more hits 18 times.

Betzold certainly saved her best for last, as the senior enjoyed career highs offensively and in the pitcher's circle. She finished second to Carter in batting average with a career-best .368 mark, while also recording career numbers in runs 916), hits (42), doubles (5) and home runs (3).

And when she took the mound, Betzold was equally as impressive, as the left-hander compiled a 14-8 record and a 3.01 ERA. She led the team in innings pitched (130.1), complete games (9) and strikeouts (76), while surrendering only 12 walks.

SMU's Carter and Betzold are two of 13 players from the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference represented on the NFCA's three all-region teams.
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