The Eastern College Athletic Conference announced its 2012 lineup of Metro Softball All-Stars yesterday, and leading the charge on the diamond was CSI senior Kaitlyn Flynn, who capped an impeccable year by being cited as the conference’s Player of the Year. The starter for all four years at third base enjoyed a stellar 2012, earning back-to-back CUNYAC Player of the Year honors along with a 3rd-team All-American citation from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Fellow Dolphin and senior Danielle Ponsiglione earned All-Star status as well with the ECAC for her work within the pitcher’s circle.
Dominating both at the plate and in the field, Flynn batted an even .500 (58-116), scattering 18 extra base hits (including three home runs) and 35 RBI. While she led CSI in nearly every offensive category, she also paced the entire conference with a .767 slugging percentage and a .557 on-base percentage. Starting all 37 games for the Dolphins this season, she was walked 15 times, including six times intentionally during the CUNYAC Postseason Tournament, where she batted .875 (7-8), reaching base on 13 of 14 trips to the plate. CSI gained the CUNYAC Final, ultimately falling to Baruch College.
Flynn was equally up to the task on the field, where she boasted a .959 fielding percentage on 172 chances, all at third base. Her 113 assists alone this season were the most in CSI single season history.
Flynn wrapped up an impeccable career by taking home team MVP honors alongside CSI’s Bill Cali/John Scrivani Sportsmanship Award at this year’s awards dinner, serving as an ambassador for sportsmanship and fair play on the field. One of CSI’s most prolific players all-time, Flynn’s lifetime batting average of .415 ranks 5th all-time at the College, and Flynn has set new records at the College for at-bats (458), hits (190), RBI (130), home runs (17), and assists (325).
What Flynn did to the CSI records equals Ponsiglione’s decimation of the career marks at CSI for pitching. This year alone Ponsiglione posted a 10-3 record alongside a 2.30 ERA, scattering 51 strikeouts and only seven walks in 88.1 innings pitched. The hurler pitched 12 complete games, posting three shutouts. The CSI Female Athlete of the Year set CSI career marks for wins (55), complete games (77), and innings pitched (543), and places second all-time in saves and strikeouts. Her 2.32 career ERA ranks third all-time at the College.
Awarding a total of 14 all-stars, the ECAC selected the College of New Jersey’s Lauren Fitzsimmons as its Pitcher of the Year, while The Sage College’s Kristen Beikirch earned Rookie of the Year. NYU-Poly’s skipper Jimmy Barrett earned Coach of the Year honors. A complete list of ECAC honorees is available here.