Date: Thursday, June 1, 2000

DRAKE NAMED NFCA THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICAN

MEDFORD – Freshman C Lis Drake (Chelmsford, MA/Chelmsford) of the Tufts University softball team has been named to the Louisville Slugger/National Fast Pitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-American Third Team. A First, Second and Third Team were selected by NFCA member Division III coaching representatives.

Drake's play behind the plate and powerful presence in the middle of the Tufts batting order helped the Jumbos win the NCAA New England Region title and advance to the NCAA Division III World Series in Salem, Virginia, May 18-19. Tufts, which lost its first two games at the World Series to be eliminated, finished 25-12 overall and 10-2 against New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) opponents.

Leading the team in the triple crown categories with a .374 average, seven home runs and 29 runs batted in, Drake was First Team All-Northeast Region, Second Team All-New England and First Team All-NESCAC. Her seven home runs were a Tufts single-season record and her 65 total bases were one off the team standard. She finished seventh among NESCAC hitters.

In the final five regular-season games while the Jumbos were fighting for the NCAA Tournament spot, Drake hit .643 (9/14) with six runs scored, 10 rbis, five doubles and three home runs (1.643 slugging %!). She had two home runs and four rbis in a win at Trinity on April 8 and was 3 for 3 with a double, home run and three rbis against top national program Wisconsin-Eau Clair on March 23 in California.

Defensively, Drake threw out 13 base stealers and made just three errors. She was one of seven catchers in the country named to the All-American teams. She is one of just three New England players named to the teams.

"Lis was a major recruit for us, and she didn't disappoint," head coach Kris Herman said. "Not just her talent, but the way she conducts herself on and off the field is a benefit to our team. She's a leader and the experiences we had this season will help her for the years to come."

Tufts made its fourth straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament, but won the New England title and advanced to the College World Series for the first time.

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