BUCS’ CORTEMELIA NAME SOFTBALL ALL-AMERICAN
Cortemelia led Blinn’s offense in batting average, total hits and extra-base hits
Blinn College third baseman Kimber Cortemelia (Lake Jackson) has been named a 2019 Division I National Junior College Athletic Association third-team All-American.
A sophomore, Cortemelia also was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) NJCAA Division I All-Region Midwest second team and the 2019 Region XIV South Division Player of the Year.
(Tara Drey, Blinn)
“I’m honored to be recognized with this award and couldn’t have done it without the support of my team and coaches,” Cortemelia said. “I am very grateful that I was given the opportunity to play at Blinn College. We had an amazing season and it’s exciting to cap it off with this honor from the NJCAA.”
Cortemelia tied for third in the Region XIV South Division in RBIs (49) and fourth in batting average (.422). She shared Blinn's lead in hits with 73 and doubles with 16, and was second on the team in runs with 49. She led the team in on-base percentage (.490) and slugging percentage (.613) to help the Buccaneers record a program-best 23-1 conference record for a Region XIV South Division Championship. In addition, Cortemelia received first-team all-conference and all-region honors.
“I am really happy that Kimber was awarded All-America honors,” said Rick Church, Blinn head coach. “She was leader for our team this season, was a great teammate, and is deserving of this recognition.”
The Buccaneers concluded the season with a 44-15 overall record and a No. 17 national ranking.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 41 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.