NATCHITOCHES – After posting outstanding numbers at the plate this season, Northwestern State sophomore Tara McKenney and senior Samantha Roberts earned 2012 All-Southland Conference honors, the league office announced Tuesday.

 

McKenney, a native of Red Oak, Texas and Red Oak HS, was named the All-SLC Second-Team shortstop. Roberts, from Natchitoches and Ruston HS, became a two-time All-Conference selection by making it onto the All-SLC Third-Team as an outfielder. She previously earned Third-Team accolades as a sophomore in 2010.

 

“Tara is so gifted physically and was consistent all year at the plate for us,” said head coach Donald Pickett. “She worked really hard this past season to improve her game, and the coaching staff looks forward to what she is going to do in her next two years because we know what she is capable of.

 

“Samantha was definitely an intimidating presence in the lineup for opposing pitchers. She continued to improve as the season went along and got hot at a key point in the schedule when conference play started,” Pickett added. “There were weeks where Samantha carried our whole offense and gave other players in our lineup more confidence.”

 

Additionally, Brianna Rodriguez (1B), Cali Burke (2B) and Kylie Roos (UT) earned All-SLC Honorable Mention.

 

McKenney led the team and finished third in the SLC with 58 hits and a .358 batting average.  She finished seventh in the league with 10 doubles, and also led the team with a .399 on-base percentage.

 

The sophomore recorded an astounding 19 multi-hit games, including six three-hit performances.  She earned a spot on the ULM Mardi Gras Classic All-Tournament team along with teammate Brittany Virgoe for her impressive play both at the plate and in the field early in the season. 

 

“We wouldn't have scored nearly as many runs this season if it wasn't for Tara continually getting on base and setting the table for our lineup,” Pickett said. “If she keeps working hard, she will have the ability to really shine for us and become one of the best players in the conference.”

 

Roberts was one of just two Lady Demons to start all 50 games this season, and crushed seven homers to rank sixth in the SLC. She became the first Lady Demon in program history to hit three home runs in a single game, as she registered six-RBI in the 16-6 win over Jackson State on March 20. Roberts posted a nine-game hitting streak earlier this season and has a pair of three-hit performances.

 

“Our power numbers were higher than they've ever been in the four years I've been here and Samantha was a huge part of that,” Pickett said. “We are very excited that she was able to finish out her career with such impressive numbers and was able to earn All-Conference honors for the second time.”

To view the full All-Conference teams and awards, click here to be forwarded to the release on the SLC website.