LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Chaminade University softball players
Larchelle Tuifao (Ewa Beach, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Kapolei) and
Taryn Fujioka (Aiea, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Pearl City) were mentioned on the Tucci/NFCA Division II Player of the Year Watchlist for the West Region.
Tuifao is currently leading the Pacific West Conference in nearly all major hitting categories including average (.452), on-base percentage (.521), slugging percentage (.790) and OPS (1.311). The junior designated player also has four home runs and has 18 RBI, which is fourth in the conference.
Fujioka, meanwhile, is second only behind Tuifao in average (.433), slugging percentage (.746) and OPS (1.240). The junior shortstop's .494 on-base percentage is sixth in the PacWest.
The duo, part of the 15 members from the West Region on the list, has helped the Silverswords become the PacWest's team leader in average at a .274 clip heading into Friday's four-game series at Biola.
Three others from the PacWest (Concordia pitchers Katlin Entrup and Courtney Koelmans and Azusa Pacific pitcher Katie Korstrom) were also on the watchlist.
The watchlist is broken down into the eight Division II regions and compiled by the elected members of the NFCA Division II All-American Committee with one head coach representing each of the eight NCAA regions. To be eligible, a student-athlete's head coach must be a NFCA member. Student-athletes not mentioned in the initial list are still eligible for the awards.
The Tucci/NFCA Player and Pitcher of the Year will be announced on May 27 following the conclusion of the Division II national championship.
