Budrick, Mussatti and Knowles Receive Conference Awards

Senior Sara Budrick, junior Katherine Knowles and sophomore Rebecca Mussatti received post season Northeast Conference softball accolades on Thursday. Budrick earned the first annual NEC Most Improved Player award as voted on by the league's coaches and added a second team all-conference honor. Mussatti received first team honors, while Knowles was named to the All-NEC Second Team.

"I couldn't be more proud of Becca, Sara, and Kat," said head coach Jeff Franquet. "The hard work and dedication they've given to our program is a direct reflection of these awards."

Knowles, who will graduate in just three years, finished the season with a .378 batting average. She also led the Blue Devils and the NEC with 18 doubles in the regular season. Knowles also carried a .650 slugging percentage, while adding 93 total bases. The catcher also finished the season with seven home runs and 29 RBI.

"I am so proud of Kat," Franquet continued. "She has had an incredible year, and deserves every award that she qualifies for. We couldn't ask for a better leader on the field."

Budrick has been honored with the first annual Most Improved Player award as well as second team All-Conference honors for her impressive season at the plate for Central Connecticut. Budrick finished with a .331 batting average, hitting eight home runs and 12 doubles. The first baseman also concluded the season with 82 total bases and a .590 slugging percentage.

"Sara is one of the hardest working players I have ever coached," Franquet said. "I told Sara all year long she was one of the best players in the conference, and if she kept working hard the rewards would come. I have a great deal of respect for Sara's passion and love for the game."

Mussatti rounds out Central Connecticut's three award winners with first team all-conference honors. The outfielder led the Blue Devils on the bases this season, scoring 44 runs and swiping 12 bags in 16 attempts. Mussatti also carried a .358 batting average in her 162 at bats on the season. The sophomore legged out 11 doubles and one triple this year and led the Blue Devils with 16 walks.

"Becca has an incredible passion for the game of softball and she is an outstanding student of the game," said Franquet. "I couldn't be more proud of Becca and I am so glad we have two more years to watch her play."

These three post-season awards for the Blue Devils concludes a season in which CCSU recorded its most victories since joining the NEC in 1998, tallying 19 wins.

"This is an incredible honor to come in my first year and have three players receive NEC honors," Franquet concluded. "I am so proud of what this team has accomplished this year. Any time you go through a transition period it is difficult, but this team persevered and we had a terrific year. The four seniors (Budrick, Tiffany Erickson, Knowles and Jaclyn Logan) have started a new tradition of excellence for CCSU softball. We couldn't ask for a better ending to our season."