Mackin Named to Top 50 Watch List

Robin Mackin was one of 50 players from around the country named to the initial watch list for the USA Softball National College Player of the Year Award, the Amateur Softball Association of America announced Wednesday. Mackin, a junior right-handed pitcher, is in her first season with the Huskers after transferring from Fresno State.

 

Mackin was one of four players from the Big 12 Conference selected to the watch list and one of only two league pitchers. Her selection marks the third straight season that a Nebraska pitcher has made the list, as senior Molly Hill was named to the watch list last season, while Ashley DeBuhr was named to the 2007 list.

 

Mackin returns to the collegiate scene in 2009, after missing the entire 2008 season while training with Team Canada in preparation for the Beijing Olympics. Mackin set several school records at Fresno State from 2006 to 2007, compiling a 64-25 record with 27 shutouts and a 1.45 ERA. She was an NFCA third-team All-American in 2007, as well as a second-team CoSIDA Academic All-American. A solid hitter as well, Mackin batted .282 with eight home runs, 13 doubles and 60 RBIs in her two seasons at Fresno State.

 

The 2006 Western Athletic Conference Freshman and Pitcher of the Year, Mackin is a dominating right-hander known for her strikeout ability. In two seasons at Fresno State, Mackin struck out 771 batters, averaging a WAC-record 9.24 strikeouts per seven innings. Mackin also led the WAC in ERA, strikeouts and victories both seasons at Fresno State.

 

Mackin has shown the ability to dominate elite competition, as she has allowed one run or less in five of her seven career NCAA Tournament starts, including three shutouts. Of her seven postseason starts, six came against top-25 competition, including four starts against top-10 foes. Mackin also posted a 2.10 ERA in three appearances at the Beijing Olympics.

 

The ASA will announce the 25 finalists for its award on April 1, however a player does not have to appear on the initial watch list to be selected as one of the 25 finalists. A list of 10 finalists will be released on May 6 and the final three finalists will be announced on May 20. The 2009 USA Softball National Player of the Year will be selected just prior to the start of the Women’s College World Series.

 

Robin Mackin was one of 50 players from around the country named to the initial watch list for the USA Softball National College Player of the Year Award, the Amateur Softball Association of America announced Wednesday. Mackin, a junior right-handed pitcher, is in her first season with the Huskers after transferring from Fresno State.