May 14, 2008

Bismarck, ND – The University of Mary’s Leslie Benavidez has earned a spot on the 2008 Daktronics NCAA Division II All-North Central Region softball team. The senior from Albuquerque, NM, was selected to the second team as a utility player.

Benavidez started the season splitting time between third base and designated player. An injury on the team then forced Benavidez to then see significant time at first base.

Hitting third in U-Mary’s lineup, Benavidez hit .328 with one home run and 25 RBIs. She scored 34 runs, hit eight doubles and two triples. Perfect in twelve steal attempts, Benavidez had a .408 on-base percentage, a .409 slugging and walked 23 times while striking out in just 20 at bats. She started 58 games.

The Marauders finished the season 31-30 and placed third in the NSIC conference tournament after finishing the regular season fourth at 11-7 in conference play and 31-30 overall.

The Daktronics All-North Central Region team is comprised of players from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, the North Central Conference and the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. The team is voted on by sports information directors in the region.