May 10, 2001
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Arizona State softball players Erica Beach and Kara Brun were each named to the 2001 Verizon Academic All-District VIII Team, announced today. A total of 33 student-athletes were nominated by 18 different school to the 12-player team. In addition to excelling in the classroom, both players are also top contributors to the ninth-ranked softball team.
Beach, a junior pitcher/designated player from Scottsdale, Arizona, holds a 3.22 grade-point average in broadcasting from the prestigious Walter Cronkite School. Additionally, Beach has also garnered NFCA National Player of the Month honors and has been named the Pac-10 Pitcher and Player of the Week as well. Beach currently holds ASU's all-time record in home runs (20) and RBIs (119).
Brun, a sophomore shortstop from Glendale, Arizona, carries a 3.54 grade-point average. She has not declared a major yet. Brun was one of only two sophomores selected on the 12-player team. On the field, Brun is batting .321 with a team-high nine doubles, 31 runs scored and 37 RBIs. She also has five home runs and is fourth in the Pac-10 in turning double plays (12).
Beach and Brun are now eligible to be on the national Verizon Softball Academic All-American ballot. First, second and third team national winners will be announced on Thursday, June 7.