May 18, 2007
COLLEGE PARK, MD. -
Maryland seniors Amber Jackson and Jennifer Wellborn have been selected to the 2007 NFCA Mid-Atlantic All-Region Team. The two transfers were offensive stars and anchors on defense for a Maryland team that compiled 33 victories, tied for the third highest total in Terrapin softball history.
Jackson was named to the first team at her shortstop position, while Wellborn, who split time between outfield and catcher, made the second team as a catcher. They are the first Terps to be named to the NFCA All-Region Team since a quartet of Terrapins did it in 2002.
In her single year as a Terrapin, Jackson put together perhaps the most spectacular season in Maryland Softball history. A rare power hitter who also possesses blazing speed on the bases, Jackson finished her career as only the 12th player in NCAA history with over 300 hits, 200 runs, and 100 stolen bases. She stole an incredible 39 bases this season, a number which was already good enough for second on the Maryland career list.
She lead the Terrapins in 11 offensive categories, and her 2007 campaign set new Maryland single-season records with 24 home runs, 56 RBIs, and 55 walks. Her .408 batting average shattered the previous season high of .359 which teammate Jenny Belak set in 2006. Jackson's .41 homers per game led the nation, and her 24 homers tied the ACC single season record which Georgia Tech's Whitney Haller set last season. She also ranked third in both walks per game (.95) and slugging percentage (.949), 10th in country with .67 stolen bases per game, and 11th in runs per game with 1.04.The shortstop led the ACC in six offensive categories, and was named to the All-ACC first team for her accomplishments.
More than just an offensive weapon, Jackson proved to be an anchor in the field. At the Palm Springs Classic, Jackson turned an incredible five unassisted double plays on the day, with two against UCLA and three against the Loyola Marymount. The previous team record for double plays in a game was two. Earlier this year she was selected by the Washington Glory in the fourth annual National Pro Fastpitch draft.
Wellborn came to Maryland after three seasons at Birmingham Southern, and had an immediate impact for the Terrapins, starting all but one game this season. The versatile Wellborn divided her time between catcher and the outfield this season, and excelled at both. The Parker, Colorado native has been one of the top hitters in the Terps lineup this year, with a .307 average and 51 hits, 13 doubles, 9 home runs, and 32 RBIs.
Behind the plate, Wellborn controlled the defense with great effectiveness, and showed confidence and power in her arm. The senior was named to the All-ACC tournament team for her performance in Maryland's three games. She batted .429 for the tournament, with three hits, two doubles, and a pair of RBIs in seven at-bats, as the Terps advanced to the second round for the first time since 2005.
