Texas Tech University Athletics
Bledsoe, James Named to All-Big 12 Second Team
May 17, 2011 | Softball
May 17, 2011
All-Big 12 Teams | 
Bledsoe, James Discuss Selection
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech's Emily Bledsoe and Sandy James were named to the All-Big 12 second team Tuesday afternoon as part of the postseason awards announcement from the conference office.
Bledsoe (Fulshear, Texas) earned second-team accolades for the second straight season, marking the first time a Tech player had been honored in consecutive years since Ashley Parker in 2006-07. The junior has reached base in 51 of Tech's 54 games this season, while also leading the Red Raiders with a .385 batting average.
James (Dallas, Texas), meanwhile, received her first career honor at Tech after bolstering the middle of Tech's lineup with a .343 average and 15 home runs, one shy of breaking the school record. The sophomore hit .313 during Big 12 play, while also driving in 18 of her 59 RBIs on the year.
"I can't say enough about the type of seasons both Emily and Sandy have had," head coach Shanon Hays said. "They have probably been our most consistent players at the plate and someone we can depend on each and every game. It's a great honor for both of them."
In a year when pitching was so prevalent in the conference, Missouri's Chelsea Thomas earned Pitcher of the Year accolades, while her head coach, Ehren Earleywine, picked up Coach of the Year honors after the Tigers won the regular season title.
Texas' Amy Hooks was named the conference Player of the Year, while teammate Taylor Thom was honored as the league's top freshman. Texas A&M's Natalie Villareal and Missouri's Megan Christopher shared Defensive Player of the Year honors as well.
The Red Raiders return to the diamond this weekend when Tech opens the NCAA Tucson Regional against New Mexico State at 6 p.m. (CT) Friday evening at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium.
