James, Trimboli, Named to USA Softball Watch List

Lincoln -- Nebraska softball players Peaches James and Nicole Trimboli have been named to the initial watch list for the USA Softball Collegiate Player-of-the-Year Award by the Amateur Softball Association, the national governing body of softball in the United States. The initial watch list is comprised of 40 players that represent 26 colleges and 12 different conferences.

James, a senior pitcher, was also named to the watch list in 2003. The Papillion, Neb., native is a three-time first-team All-Big 12 honoree and a two-time NFCA All-Midwest Region selection. James ranks among the top 10 on eight NU career charts, including complete games (5th, 61), saves (5th, 9), shutouts (5th, 25), strikeouts (4th, 551), ERA (8th, 1.42), innings pitched (4th, 619), winning percentage (7th, .678) and victories (4th, 61). In 2003, she struck out 250 batters in 243.2 innings pitched en route to posting a 1.55 ERA in 2003.

Trimboli, a senior outfielder, is making her first appearance on the list. Trimboli, who earned All-Big 12 honors as NU's left fielder in 2001 and as the Huskers' first baseman in 2002, will replace four-year starter Kim Ogee in centerfield this season and will also move from the middle of NU’s lineup to the leadoff spot. A career .301 hitter, Trimboli has already made her mark on the Husker record books. She ranks among the Nebraska career leaders in several categories, including RBIs (6th, 125), batting average (15th, .301), home runs (10th, 19) and slugging percentage (11th, .451).

The first 25 finalists will be announced on April 6. The list will then be reduced to 10 players on April 28, with three finalists being named on May 11. The winner of the 2004 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Award will be announced at the 2004 NCAA Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, Okla. The winner will also be recognized during the ASA National Council Meeting in Mobile, Ala., in November.

Pitcher Cat Osterman (Houston, Texas), a member of the 2004 Olympic team, was selected in 2003 as the USA Softball Player of the Year. She led the Texas Longhorns to back-to-back Big 12 Conference Championships and combined for a 0.38 season ERA.

The Amateur Softball Association, founded in 1933, is the National Governing Body of amateur softball in the United States and a member of the United States Olympic Committee. As the National Governing Body, the ASA is responsible for identifying, selecting and training male and female athletes to compete in World, Pan American and Olympic competitions.