June 30, 2011

Starkville, Ms. - 2011 saw the softball Rams win their first-ever Atlantic 10 Conference title as well as capturing their second ever regular season championship, and the team's exemplary play didn't go unnoticed as the coaching staff was recognized as the Mid-Atlantic Coaching Staff of the Year by the National Fastpitch Coaches' Association on Thursday. Recognized were Head Coach Bridget Orchard and Assistant Coaches Emily Friedman and Bob Baxter. This was the second consecutive such award given to the staff.

The team eclipsed the 40-win plateau for the second straight season, as well as taking a game in the NCAA Regional against Penn State. Additionally, the squad defeated Saint Joseph's to capture the A-10 crown in May. The reward recognized the fine job the staff did in 2011. Coach Orchard, who concluded her tenth season at Rose Hill in 2011, also won the A-10 Coach of the Year award, and was named the Fordham Coach of the Year at the Block F Awards banquet in May.

In taking home the Mid-Atlantic Region Coaching Staff of the Year, Fordham joins several other schools that were recognized in their region as well. The coaches at Arizona State were named national staff of the year. In the Central Region, Baylor was recognized. The Great Lakes Region chose the coaches at Syracuse to win the award. In the Mideast Region, the East Carolina Pirates were feted for their successful season. The Midwest Region recognized the staff at Oklahoma State and the Pacific Region lauded Cal. In the Northeast Region, Albany was chosen based on its successful season and two SEC schools, Alabama and Florida were lauded in the South Region and Southeast Region respectfully.

Fordham finished the 2011 campaign with a 42-19 overall record, including a 16-4 conference mark. The team won the opening round game of the NCAA regional over Penn State, before falling to Oregon and the Nittany Lions later in the regional.